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

Outrage spread across Western capitals after Israel’s far-right security minister released a video showing Gaza-bound flotilla activists pinned to the ground, a scene that quickly deepened into a diplomatic row when two detainees later alleged they were physically assaulted in custody. The handling of the activists by police officers operating under Itamar Ben-Gvir’s authority also prompted criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and from the United States, Israel’s staunchest ally. The activists had been…

Thursday May 21, 2026 Congresswoman Sara Jacobs said the deadly attack was a stark reminder of what happens when Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate are allowed to spread unchecked. The US House of Representatives held a moment of silence for the victims of the recent shooting at the Islamic Centre of San Diego. On the House floor, Congresswoman Sara Jacobs said she spoke "with a heavy heart" as she paid tribute to Amin Abdullah, Mansour Kaziha and Nadir Awad, who were killed when two teenage gunmen opened fire at the mosque…

Mount Everest saw an unprecedented rush of climbers yesterday, with a record 274 people reaching the summit from the Nepali side in a single day — the most ever to stand atop the world’s highest mountain in 24 hours. Rising 8,849 metres, Everest sits on the border between Nepal and China’s Tibet region, and expeditions can approach the peak from either side. But expedition operators said no climbers attempted the mountain from the Tibetan side this year after Chinese authorities did not issue permits. Among those who reached…

For the first time in Mali's turbulent north, the military, alongside Russian forces, has commenced the use of cluster munitions amid ongoing conflicts involving jihadist factions, separatist groups, and governmental troops that have persisted for over a decade. Sources on the ground, security experts, and human rights organizations have confirmed that these bombs were deployed during recent counter-terrorism operations. Reports indicate that the initial strike took place in Oubder, situated near In-Gouzma within the…

Thursday May 21, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s federal government on Wednesday denounced North Western State of Somalia’s plan to establish an embassy in Jerusalem, describing the move as invalid under law and as a deliberate affront to the Arab and Islamic worlds. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the proposed mission carried no legal weight because Mogadishu considers North Western State of Somalia part of Somalia’s sovereign territory. “The Federal Republic of Somalia reaffirms its unwavering…

SpaceX, Elon Musk’s rocket and satellite company, has filed for what could become the biggest initial public offering ever, outlining plans to raise as much as $75 billion from public investors. If the deal goes ahead on those terms, the company’s market debut would eclipse every previous IPO on record. The filing states that after the offering, Mr Musk would serve as chief executive, chief technology officer and chair of the board. US media reports said SpaceX is seeking to raise $75bn and secure a valuation of up to $1.75…

In a milestone moment for victims of Libya's long-running violence, the International Criminal Court has opened a three-day hearing for Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, who stands accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity. El Hishri is the first individual from Libya to be brought before the ICC since the United Nations Security Council sent the Libyan situation to the court's prosecutor in 2011, marking a significant step in efforts to hold perpetrators accountable for atrocities committed during the country's…

Sierra Leone has stepped into the spotlight as the newest African country accepting migrants deported from the United States amid President Donald Trump's stringent measures on illegal immigration. A charter flight transporting nine West African nationals touched down near Freetown. This group comprises individuals from five different nations, specifically two from Guinea, one each from Nigeria and Senegal, and the remainder hailing from Ghana. The United States has previously facilitated the deportation of individuals to…

Iran signaled on Thursday that it is weighing Washington’s latest position on ending the war, after President Donald Trump said he was willing to wait only a few days for what he called the “right answers” from Tehran and warned that fresh attacks could follow if no deal is reached. "We have received US views and are reviewing them," Iranian state-run agency Nour News quoted Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei as saying. Baghaei added that Pakistan, which hosted peace talks last month and has served as the channel…

Thursday May 21, 2026 Garowe (AX) — In a meeting that underscored both security concerns and Somalia’s unsettled politics, a U.S. delegation headed by acting Ambassador to Somalia Justin Davis met Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni in Garowe on Wednesday to discuss cooperation against ISIS and the country’s broader political transition. According to a statement from the Puntland State presidency, the delegation included officials from U.S. Africa Command, among them Col. Shane Jones. Puntland State Vice President…