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

China has confirmed the test-launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), marking its first such exercise in decades as it fell into the expanse of the Pacific Ocean. In recent years, China has ramped up its nuclear capabilities and increased its defense expenditure. Back in October 2022, the Pentagon cautioned that China's development of its nuclear arsenal was outpacing United States expectations more swiftly than anticipated. As of May 2023, China reportedly possessed over 500 operational nuclear warheads.…

  Somali and Turkish officials have inked a bilateral pact to bolster cooperation in the realm of financial intelligence. Captured at the signing event in Ankara, we have Amina Mohamed Ali, at the helm of Somalia’s Financial Reporting Center (center), alongside Hassan Keymak, who steers Turkey’s Financial Intelligence Unit (MASAK) (right).  Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia and Turkey have cemented an accord to elevate collaboration on financial intelligence sharing. This landmark agreement, signed in Ankara, unites Somalia's…

Born in 2008 amidst the nomadic life of the Sanaag region, Arafat Mahamud Jama's journey to an elite scholarship in the United States is a saga of grit and endurance. His family's exodus from pastoral life to village settlement due to climate change marked the beginning of his remarkable odyssey.Flash forward to age 16, and Arafat is living the dream—trading a small village for the hallowed halls of the American academic elite—a leap made possible by four years of fierce dedication and the golden opportunity provided by…

In a contentious decision, European Union member states have opted to reduce the protection status of wolves, sparking outrage among conservationists and setting the stage for a potential easing of stringent hunting regulations. The representatives from the bloc's 27 nations rallied behind a proposal aimed at amending an international wildlife agreement. This change would shift the classification of wolves from "strictly protected" to simply "protected." The European Commission, the body that originally advocated for this…

MOGADISHU (Xinhua) — The heart of Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, bustled with activity on Tuesday as the Chinese Embassy rolled out the red carpet to celebrate 75 years since the birth of the People's Republic of China.The gathering drew a diverse crowd, featuring Somali lawmakers, ministers, diplomats, and representatives from regional organizations. Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe, the head honcho of Somalia's lower house, extended hearty congratulations to China, wishing them never-ending success and growth. He…

At Galkayo Hospital's stabilization center in Somalia, a kid battling malnutrition receives care from an International Medical Corps doctor and nurse. Ever since the civil war, Somalia’s been chasing progress in many sectors, yet its healthcare system lags critically. For a nation teeming with over 15 million souls, providing decent medical services is a Herculean task, rife with obstacles but peppered with potential for a brighter future. Challenges in the Healthcare System Much of Somalia stumbles with a severe lack of…

An engineer from the National Transportation Safety Board revealed that the carbon fiber hull of the experimental submersible, which tragically imploded while heading to the Titanic wreck, exhibited flaws tracing back to its manufacturing. Don Kramer, the engineer in question, testified before a Coast Guard panel that the hull's performance changed significantly following a loud noise experienced during one of the dives the previous year. He pointed out several issues, including the presence of wrinkles, porosity, and…

In today’s world, your attention is the most coveted treasure, even more than gold or oil. We live in a digital age where who you focus on and how you engage with your surroundings hold immense value. Social media giants, entertainment moguls, and ad agencies have built empires based on capturing and holding your gaze. Imagine a world where no one logged into social media for just a day or two. The endless scrolling, liking, and sharing would come to a halt. This simple pause would shake the very foundations of these…

The White House has recently disclosed that President Joe Biden is set to embark on a journey to Angola this October, fulfilling a commitment he made to African leaders during the U.S.-Africa summit in 2022. This highly anticipated visit, slated for October 13th to 15th, will provide a platform for dialogue between the U.S. President and Angolan President João Lourenço, focusing on mutual interests and objectives. "We'll be aiming to strengthen our economic partnerships," stated White House Press Secretary Karine…

Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid’s French forward, netted his team’s second goal past Alaves' defender Moussa Diarra during their Spanish league clash at Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid on Sept. 24, 2024. (AFP) MADRID: Keep the confetti on standby, Kylian Mbappe struck gold again! Bagging his sixth goal in five matches, he propelled Real Madrid to a 3-2 victory over Alaves on Tuesday. This win nudged them tantalizingly close to top chaser Barcelona in the Spanish league standings. Since donning the Los Blancos jersey, Mbappe’s been…