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

Tunisia’s treatment of migrants and the EU’s quiet deal: a test of values For three years, human rights researchers listened to stories that should have set off alarms across Mediterranean capitals: men and women beaten and detained without charge, people stripped of their documents and pushed toward unsafe borders, and Black migrants singled out for abuse. The accounts, collected from 120 refugees and migrants from nearly 20 countries, form the backbone of a new Amnesty International report that accuses Tunisia of…

After years of silence, Mozambique’s gas dream restarts — but who will pick up the tab? When French energy major TotalEnergies announced it had lifted the force majeure on its liquefied natural gas project off Mozambique’s northern coast, the message was outwardly simple: long-dormant gas operations in the Rovuma Basin are ready to resume. The subtext, however, is far murkier. The four-and-a-half-year pause — driven by an insurgency that convulsed Cabo Delgado — has transformed what was a marquee energy project into a…

US aircraft carrier's arrival in the Caribbean sharpens tensions with Venezuela The USS Gerald R. Ford, the United States Navy's largest aircraft carrier, steamed into the Western Hemisphere this week, joining a collection of U.S. warships, forward-deployed F-35 stealth jets in Puerto Rico and a broader maritime operation that Washington says is aimed at disrupting drug trafficking. Caracas responded with alarm, announcing its own “massive” nationwide military deployments and warning that the show of force could spark a…

Why Sweden’s Quiet Mission in Somalia Matters MOGADISHU — This summer, small units of the Swedish Armed Forces arrived in Somalia. They are not the first foreign troops to set foot here, but their focus — training, advising and what militaries call “technical exploitation” — speaks to a shift in how European nations are choosing to engage with fragile states long shadowed by jihadist violence. “We were invited,” a Swedish defence statement said, underscoring a rarely spoken rule of intervention in Somalia: foreign help is…

The Silent Cries of el-Fasher: A Genocide in Sudan's Unseen War In the heart of Sudan, the city of el-Fasher is unraveling under the horrors of a silent genocide. As Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) tighten their grip, the world watches, seemingly immobilized, as civilian lives are erased and entire communities are extinguished. The Hidden Atrocities Reports emerging from el-Fasher paint a grim picture. The Sudan Doctors Network, a key witness on the ground, describes a harrowing scene: streets once bustling…

European naval forces shadow Somali pirates after string of attacks; no immediate threat to shipping, officials say NAIROBI — European Union naval forces and allied navies are keeping a close watch on a pirate group off Somalia’s coast after a spate of attacks in recent days, but they say commercial shipping faces no immediate danger thanks to an international security presence. In a brief posting on X on Wednesday, EUNAVFOR Operation Atalanta said the suspected pirates “remain in the area under surveillance,” urging…

5 Protein-Packed Breakfasts to Tackle Belly Fat After 40 As we age, our bodies undergo numerous changes, especially after hitting that milestone of 40. It's no secret that maintaining a healthy weight becomes a bit trickier, particularly when it comes to stubborn belly fat. "Protein is your metabolism's best friend after 40," says Tara Collingwood, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian. "It keeps you full, preserves muscle, and helps your body burn more efficiently." In this blog post, we’ll dive into five delicious,…

Somalia Passes Revised Anti-Piracy Law as Attacks Resurface Off Its Coast Unanimous vote in Mogadishu Somalia’s Parliament has overwhelmingly approved a revised anti-piracy and anti-kidnapping law, a sweeping update to legislation first written in 1975, as authorities confront a worrying uptick in attacks along one of the world’s most strategic sea lanes. All 140 lawmakers present backed the bill, an unusual show of unity in a chamber more accustomed to hard bargaining over security and federal powers. “This is a…

Political Shifts in Liberia: A Changing Landscape Under President Boakai In a dramatic turn of events, President Joseph Boakai of Liberia has reshaped the government's landscape by dismissing senior officials, sparking a wave of uncertainty among cabinet members and agency heads. This unexpected upheaval has not only alarmed those directly affected but has also raised broader questions about the direction of Boakai’s presidency. As the dust settles, the political implications of these moves could resonate far beyond the…

Shadows of Suppression: Protests and the Fight for Democracy in Cameroon The recent presidential election in Cameroon has ignited a maelstrom of unrest that stretches far beyond the simple question of leadership. With President Paul Biya officially declared the victor for another term, the streets of this central African nation have transformed into battlegrounds, erupting in protests and lamentations echoing the aspirations of a populace yearning for change. The scene is not just one of frustration, but of profound…