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

Friday June 12, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — The Banadir Regional Administration has moved to clear cattle from Mogadishu’s streets, announcing a ban on animals being let onto roads and citing public health, traffic safety and environmental concerns. Banadir spokesman Saleh Dheere said Thursday the decision came after consultations with livestock-owning families and repeated complaints from residents who have long objected to cattle roaming through the capital. He said the practice has created multiple problems, including…

A second heavy prison sentence has landed on former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol, this time over prosecutors’ claims that he sent drones into North Korea to help manufacture the crisis atmosphere that preceded his ill-fated 2024 martial law declaration. Special prosecutors said in April that Yoon had tried to "fabricate wartime conditions" through the drone flights, arguing that the operation compromised national security. The latest punishment follows an earlier life sentence imposed on Yoon for leading what the…

Thursday June 11, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s federal government on Wednesday voiced strong regret after the United States refused entry to Somali international referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who had been set to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said Somali officials had worked through diplomatic channels with U.S. authorities to secure Artan’s travel, but those efforts failed to yield a positive result. “The Government of Somalia remains…

A possible opening in one of the world’s most volatile flashpoints emerged on Friday, with US President Donald Trump saying Washington and Tehran could sign a peace deal as soon as this weekend that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping. Iran, however, quickly cautioned that no final decision had yet been made. If it goes ahead, the agreement would mark the biggest diplomatic advance so far toward ending the three-month-old war, a conflict that has killed thousands and driven global energy prices sharply higher.…

Thursday June 11, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia took another step toward modernizing its internet infrastructure on Wednesday as the National Communications Authority and the National IPv6 Center launched a national workshop in Mogadishu aimed at advancing the country’s adoption of next-generation internet technology. The National IPv6 Workshop was co-hosted by the NCA and the National IPv6 Center, which operates under Jamhuuriya University of Science and Technology. The event drew internet service providers, universities,…

Families in South Sudan's Jonglei state are turning to unconventional food sources like leaves and water lilies as conflict and food scarcity escalate, pushing regions toward potential famine concerns, Save the Children cautioned on Tuesday. Jonglei remains a violence-stricken area, with clashes between government forces allied with President Salva Kiir and militias supporting his long-time adversary Riek Machar. The United Nations and other organizations report extensive corruption, with billions siphoned away by…

In a report issued Wednesday, Human Rights Watch alleged that the Rwanda-supported M23 armed group has been forcefully recruiting thousands in Eastern Congo, detaining them under brutal conditions. Since its resurgence in 2021, this anti-government faction has captured significant territories in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a region burdened by more than three decades of conflict. After securing control over key cities like Goma and Bukavu, M23 has engaged in extensive forced recruitment and…

PARIS — UEFA has handed Somali referee Omar Adan Artan one of the biggest appointments of his career, naming him to take charge of the 2026 UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, a notable milestone for Somali and African football. The match will be played on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria, and will bring together Champions League winners PSG and Aston Villa, who earned their place as Europa League champions. UEFA said the decision came after talks with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which…

Thursday June 11, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, barred from officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being denied entry to the United States, has now been handed one of UEFA’s top assignments: the Super Cup in August, the confederation announced. Artan is set to referee the Aug. 12 showdown in Salzburg between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, UEFA said. “Referee announced for 2026 #SuperCup! We’re pleased to share that Somali referee Omar Artan will officiate the highly anticipated…

With fireworks crackling overhead and a forest of spires lit in waves of colour, Pope Leo XIV on Sunday blessed a towering new addition to Barcelona's Sagrada Familia after celebrating mass inside the unfinished landmark, now the tallest church in the world. A fireworks and light display washed across the temple's exterior at the close of the ceremony, drenching the basilica in shifting hues and drawing the eye to its newly dominant silhouette. A 600-voice choir sang during the service, which lasted about 90 minutes and drew…