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

Construction of $215M Road Linking Somalia and Ethiopia Faces Delays Over Security Issues NAIROBI, Kenya - Engineers in Kenya have hit the brakes on the construction of a major road intended to bolster connections between Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia due to escalating insecurity in the northeastern region. A spike in Al-Shabaab attacks is largely to blame. This 740-kilometer stretch of road aims to enhance regional socio-economic activities, particularly significant as Somalia recently joined the East African Community…

He declared that the nation is set on establishing a resilient telecom infrastructure to enable the same goals. "Telecom is essential for emergency response and disaster management. Today's assembly shows our collective resolve to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the Somali populace," he articulated. “We are determined to build a strong and durable telecom infrastructure capable of efficiently handling emergencies. This infrastructure will bolster our national capabilities in disaster management, early warning…

Kismayo (AX) – On Tuesday, Jubbaland Darwish forces clashed intensely with al-Shabab insurgents in the Lower Jubba region. At least six al-Shabab fighters lost their lives, and others were injured in the conflict. The skirmish erupted on the fringes of Janay Abdalla village, a crucial location near Kismayo. The second battalion of the Jubbaland Darwish army initiated the assault against al-Shabab members, who were seen preparing for an attack. A Jubbaland Darwish army officer conveyed to national media that their forces…

Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Taye Atske Selassie, voiced apprehension over the meddling of "external forces" potentially destabilizing an already tenuous security scenario, and feared that weapons could land in the hands of terrorists. Ali Omar, Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, took to X to express surprise at Ethiopia's reservations regarding Somalia's procurement of arms for defending sovereignty and combatting terror. Amid a protracted clash with Ethiopia over a significant dam project on the Blue…

Somalia: MPs Still Battling Travel Bans at Mogadishu Airport En Route to Baidoa MOGADISHU, Somalia — Federal parliamentarians from the Southwest State of Somalia continue to face hurdles at Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport, particularly when trying to fly to Baidoa. Today, MP Mohamed Sheikh Abdullahi Osman (known as Iiro) was the latest to be blocked from boarding his plane. These travel impediments have ignited a firestorm of anger and criticism from regional leaders and MPs. They argue that these actions…

Whether you're adding berries to yogurt, snacking on apple slices with peanut butter, or enjoying peaches for dessert, fruit is a naturally sweet, nutritious addition to any meal. Research also shows that eating fruit can support sustainable weight loss and weight control. While all fruit is healthy, some low-calorie options can help you stay in a calorie deficit if it's part of your weight loss plan. For those who choose to count calories as part of their weight loss journey, incorporating low-calorie fruits into your diet…

Nairobi (AX) – The Italian government has urgently put a halt to processing Schengen visas for applications made through its embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia. The news broke on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) on Wednesday, through a statement from the Italian Embassy in Nairobi. The embassy revealed, "We wish to inform you that the Embassy of Italy in Nairobi has immediately ceased the issuance of entry Schengen visas for all applications processed by the Embassy of Italy in Mogadishu. For more details, please get…

In an unexpected turn of events, Finland has announced the early return of two beloved giant pandas to China this November. This decision comes more than eight years ahead of schedule, primarily due to the zoo's financial strain, highlighted by the chair of the zoo's board. The two pandas, Lumi and Pyry, made their journey to Finnish shores in January 2018. Their arrival followed a notable visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Finland, where the two nations entered into an agreement aimed at the conservation of these…

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AXADLE) – A heads-up from the Italian Embassy in Nairobi: they've hit the brakes on issuing Schengen visas via their Mogadishu office. Effective September 24, 2024, this abrupt change was relayed through a formal communique to Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The memo clearly states that anyone looking to secure a Schengen visa must now direct their applications to the Italian Embassy in Nairobi. The statement emphasized: "Applicants must directly submit all…

AXADLE, Somalia — Inside the regal setting of the presidential palace, President Said Abdullahi Deni of Northeastern State eagerly met with Denmark's Ambassador Steen Sonne Andersen. Their gathering zeroed in on Somalia's vast political horizons and developmental strides, nodding specifically to Northeastern State’s advancements in democratic governance and active development ventures, as per updates from the presidency. This rendezvous underscored the sustained diplomatic efforts within the region. President Deni shared…