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

Mogadishu Rocked by New Human Trafficking Scandal Involving High-Ranking Officials By AXADLE - Updated October 2023 A fresh human trafficking scandal has erupted in Somalia, pointing fingers at senior government officials for their involvement in illicitly moving people across borders. Government Aides and Wives Involved An aide to Somalia's Minister of Health, alongside two of the minister’s spouses, disappeared after being trafficked to Switzerland and the U.S., as disclosed…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has issued a stern warning to enterprising traders trying to dodge the newly imposed sales tax by fiddling with their merchant numbers. During his speech in Mogadishu on Thursday, President Mohamud put his foot down, stressing the gravity of such antics. "Dodging taxes is tantamount to fraud," President Mohamud declared emphatically. "Skirting taxes equates to theft and crime, and there will be consequences. It's unacceptable to alter merchant numbers to sidestep…

The devastating impact of storm Helene has tragically resulted in a staggering loss of life, with the death count soaring to a minimum of 93. In North Carolina alone, the grim tally reached 30 fatalities, as rescuers tirelessly worked to assist those in distress throughout the southeastern United States. This effort to respond to the storm has taken on a distinct political angle, given that President Joe Biden, along with his competitors for the presidency, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, has announced their plans to visit…

This is the low point of Erik ten Hag’s stint at Manchester United: a chaotic debacle that Tottenham joyfully capitalized on, zipping the ball around and tearing through their prestigious hosts as if in a casual game. The manager insists he has a plan, but today's display suggests it involves rolling out the red carpet for their opponents, with Spurs breaking through endlessly. Even at 2-0 down, a 10-man United showed some late fight, with Casemiro pressing forward and Alejandro Garnacho making sharp runs. This only…

President Mohamud lambasted Ethiopia for its audacious moves to dominate Somali waters, accusing Addis Ababa of aiming for military supremacy. "Ethiopia’s ambitions extend beyond acquiring a port," stated Hassan Sheikh. "Their goal is to project military muscle in the Red Sea, which is downright intolerable. They intend to not only construct a port but also establish a naval base. Both these endeavors infringe upon Somalia’s sovereignty and flout international law." Dialogue between Somalia and Ethiopia has hit a brick…

Kris Kristofferson, a titan of country music who graced both the music charts and the silver screen, has passed away at the age of 88. The news was shared by his family, marking the end of an era for a legendary artist. While the family did not state a specific cause of his death, they acknowledged Kris’ remarkable legacy. A revered member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and a Grammy Award recipient, Kristofferson was celebrated for crafting timeless songs such as “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” and “Me and Bobby McGee.”…

A bustling apartment complex in Beirut became the target of an Israeli airstrike, as reported by eyewitnesses. This incident marks the first assault within the city amidst Israel's intensifying actions against Iran's regional allies. The airstrike struck the upper levels of an apartment building situated in the Kola neighborhood of Lebanon's capital, according to accounts from locals. At the moment, there has been no immediate feedback from the Israeli military regarding the situation. As Israel significantly ramps up its…

This morning, tragedy struck in northeastern Ukraine as Russian forces targeted a medical facility in Sumy, resulting in the deaths of eight people. These officials also reported a second attack occurred while the building was being evacuated. Ukrainian prosecutors have indicated that, during the strikes, there were 86 patients and 38 staff members present within the hospital's walls. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko relayed the devastating news via Telegram, stating, "The initial assault claimed one life and inflicted…

On September 27, 2024, Somalian Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre spoke at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Barre accused Ethiopia of actions that "flagrantly violate" Somalia's territorial integrity. WASHINGTON — Bomb explosions rocked Mogadishu and a town in the Middle Shabelle region on Saturday, resulting in at least six deaths and 10 injuries, according to local police and eyewitness accounts to VOA. “An explosives-laden vehicle parked near a bustling restaurant in the Hamar Weyne…

Toronto – Ethiopia has remained rather quiet after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with North Western State of Somalia. In contrast, Somalia has vocally sought military and diplomatic support from neighboring regions, asserting that the agreement infringes on its sovereignty.Recently, Ethiopia publicly defended the agreement at the U.N. General Assembly. The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Minister Taye Atske-Selassie, in a speech at the U.N., stated the MoU with North Western State of…