Axadle - Breaking news and analysis from Somalia, the Horn of Africa, and across Africa.

South Africa’s top cop, Fannie Masemola, has been summoned to court over a police health-services tender now at the center of a criminal investigation, thrusting the country’s law-enforcement leadership into fresh scrutiny. Masemola is due to appear on April 21 in relation to his alleged role in the awarding of a $21 million contract. The tender, issued in 2024 to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s firm, Medicare24 Tshwane District, was intended to deliver health services to members of the police. Amid corruption…

President Donald Trump asserted that Iran is quietly engaged in negotiations and suggested Tehran's public denials stem from fears that negotiators could be killed by hardliners — or targeted by the United States. "They are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly. But they're afraid to say it, because they figure they'll be killed by their own people," Mr Trump told a dinner for Republican members of Congress. "They're also afraid they'll be killed by us." His remarks came after Iranian Foreign…

Thursday March 26, 2026 Hargeisa (AX) — Drivers and businesses across North Western State of Somalia are facing fresh fuel price hikes after authorities on Wednesday rolled out new official pump rates, pointing to surging global oil prices and tighter supply conditions. The revised pricing sets gasoline at 12,500 North Western State of Somalia shillings per liter, while diesel will sell for 10,500 North Western State of Somalia shillings per liter. Officials said the new rates were agreed after consultations involving the…

The United Nations General Assembly made a historic declaration on Wednesday, labeling the trafficking of enslaved Africans as "the gravest crime against humanity" and urging reparations as a vital step to correct historical injustices. In a decisive resolution, the Assembly called for the immediate, unencumbered return of cultural artifacts—including artworks, monuments, and national archives—to their countries of origin without financial obligation. The resolution passed with overwhelming support, securing 123 votes…

Somalia: Southwest State Accuses Federal Government of Waging “Direct War” MOGADISHU, Somalia — South West State officials accused the Federal Government of Somalia of effectively launching a “direct military war” against the regional authority, warning the standoff could ignite fresh nationwide conflict. In a blunt statement, the regional presidency said conditions had “significantly deteriorated,” alleging that federal leaders had recast the Somali National Army into a force acting on clan lines. “Local communities…

Thursday March 26, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — A sweeping protest gripped Mogadishu’s Bakaara Market on Wednesday as hundreds of traders flooded the streets, accusing Somalia’s federal government of moving to shut down the country’s largest commercial hub so the land can be transferred to wealthy businessmen with connections to officials. Demonstrators cut off major routes leading into the market, denouncing what they said was an impending eviction that would wipe out livelihoods built over years. Traders alleged the authorities…

After 18 years away, Eritrea is finally stepping back onto Africa’s biggest football stage, set to “host” Eswatini in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier that will be played on neutral ground in Morocco. The preliminary round first leg is scheduled for the 20,000-seat Stade d'Honneur, shifted from East to North Africa because Eritrea does not have a stadium that meets international standards. The Red Sea Camels have not featured in the AFCON since a 2008 qualifier ended in a draw in Eswatini, the country formerly known…

Hungarian Prime Minister Vitkor Orbán faces perhaps the most consequential test of his 16-year rule as voters prepare to go to the polls on 12 April. Opinion polls put his nationalist Fidesz party nine points behind the centre-right Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar, a 44-year-old lawyer and former Fidesz insider now running a vigorous challenge. Mr Magyar has ridden a platform focused on anti-corruption and business-friendly reform, building momentum after strong showings for his party in European and local ballots in 2024.…

President Donald Trump asserted that Iran is engaged in negotiations, accusing Tehran of publicly denying talks out of fear that Iranian negotiators could be killed by hardliners — or by the United States. "They are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly. But they're afraid to say it, because they figure they'll be killed by their own people," Mr Trump told a dinner for Republican members of Congress. "They're also afraid they'll be killed by us." The president's remarks came after Iranian Foreign…

Traders protest eviction order at Bakara Market in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia — Hundreds of merchants at Bakara Market, Somalia’s biggest commercial artery, poured into the streets Wednesday, saying authorities had ordered the market closed and told them to clear out — a move they fear will pave the way for politically connected investors to seize the land. Demonstrators blocked key access roads to the market, decrying what they called an effort to uproot long-established businesses. Many accused the government of trying…