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

Baidoa flights halted in Mogadishu, stranding hundreds as Somali aviation agency denies issuing ban South West State officials call the stoppage a “political travel blockade” by the federal government; the Somali Civil Aviation Authority says it issued no suspension order. Flights to the South West State capital were halted at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport on Tuesday, leaving hundreds of passengers — including regional officials — waiting for clarification. Halted departures to Baidoa stranded travelers…

Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone Leaders Meet to Address Border Tensions The leaders of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone convened in Conakry to alleviate rising border tensions following incidents involving Guinean soldiers. The leaders met in Conakry amid escalating tensions after reports surfaced that Guinean soldiers entered Liberia's northern Lofa County, raised the Guinean flag, and allegedly prevented a Liberian company from conducting mining operations along the shared river border. This situation has heightened…

North Western State of Somalia opposition Kulmiye alleges politically motivated arrests, targeting of journalists Party cites detention of Warrame Media founder and arrests of protesters in Burco; government has not commented HARGEISA — North Western State of Somalia’s main opposition party, Kulmiye, on Monday accused the government of conducting politically motivated arrests and targeting journalists and dissenting voices, warning the actions risk deepening social unrest. Speaking in Hargeisa, Kulmiye spokesperson…

Gerry Adams begins giving evidence in London civil case over IRA bombings Former Sinn Féin leader denies IRA membership as claimants seek £1 damages and ruling on personal liability for 1973 and 1996 attacks Gerry Adams, 77, took the stand at the Royal Courts of Justice after five days of claimant testimony. He strenuously denies allegations that he was directly responsible for injuries from IRA bombings in London and Manchester. LONDON — Gerry Adams began giving evidence at the Royal Courts of Justice on Monday,…

Southwest State suspends cooperation with Somalia’s federal government, third region to cut ties Move follows Puntland State and Jubbaland amid disputes over constitutional changes; Mogadishu yet to respond Southwest State said it acted over alleged federal interference and military mobilization in its territory. BAIDOA — Southwest State on Tuesday announced it has suspended all cooperation with Somalia’s federal government, becoming the third regional administration to sever formal ties with Mogadishu amid…

Taliban say hundreds killed in strike on Kabul hospital; Pakistan denies civilian toll The Taliban government said an air strike killed at least 400 people and wounded 250 at a Kabul drug rehabilitation hospital, a claim Pakistan rejected as false, saying it precisely targeted militant sites with no collateral damage. At least 400 people were killed and 250 injured in an air strike on a rehabilitation hospital in Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, a spokesman for the Taliban government said. Pakistan dismissed the allegation as…

Djiboutian AUSSOM battalion arrives in Beledweyne to take over security in Hiiraan 13th Battalion replaces 11th in routine rotation; elements deploy to Bulo Burde as command transfers at Ugaas Khalif Airport Newly deployed Djiboutian troops under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia arrived Monday in Beledweyne to assume security responsibilities in parts of the Hiiraan region, including Beledweyne and Bulo Burde. Beledweyne — Djiboutian forces serving with the African Union Support and…

Bolsonaro moved out of ICU as pneumonia improves, hospital says Former Brazilian president, 70, was rushed from Papuda prison to a Brasília clinic on Friday; doctors report kidney function improving and good response to antibiotics Standfirst: Jair Bolsonaro has been transferred from intensive care to a step-down unit after showing improvement from bilateral bacterial pneumonia that developed in custody, his wife said. DF Star Hospital reported continuing recovery and said the infection was likely caused by…

Trump rebukes allies over Hormuz escorts as Iran strikes Gulf oil targets; oil prices rise Several European partners decline immediate naval deployments as Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed; strikes hit UAE, Israel and Iraq amid third week of US-Israel war with Iran Standfirst: President Donald Trump criticized some Western allies for hesitating to send warships to protect tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran launched drone and missile attacks across the region. Dubai’s main airport and energy facilities in the UAE…

WFP Somalia advertises multiple national vacancies across key hubs ahead of 28 May deadline The UN World Food Programme is recruiting Somali nationals for roles in Mogadishu, Baidoa, Dollow/Dolow, Garowe, Beletweyne and Galkayo; women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must apply via WFP’s Workday platform. Application links were referenced in the source notice but not provided here. The World Food Programme (WFP) has opened applications for several Somalia-based positions with a stated deadline of…