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

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AXADLE) – Tragedy struck the Kahda district on Saturday when two bomb blasts claimed five lives and left eight wounded, according to local officials. Abdullahi Abdirahman, the Commissioner of Kahda District, revealed that the initial explosion occurred in a lively greenfield area where youth regularly congregate for selfies and social media videos. The second blast erupted soon after rescue teams had arrived, compounding the devastation. "The bomb exploded on the roadside while young folks were…

A Ukrainian captivated soldier rejoices over the swap. (AFP: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service)The United Arab Emirates has brokered a trade involving 206 prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine, as reported by Emirati state news agency WAM on Saturday.President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Russia's defense ministry both acknowledged that each nation retrieved 103 POWs in this exchange.“Our people are home,” Mr. Zelenskyy conveyed on the Telegram messaging platform. “We successfully liberated another 103…

Somalia: Devastating Explosions Rock Youth Photography Hub in Mogadishu, Leaving Five Dead MOGADISHU, Somalia - Over the weekend, a series of catastrophic roadside blasts in Mogadishu's Kahda district resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals and injuries to eight more, according to local officials. The explosions struck a beloved hangout where youths gather to take photos, sparking fresh fears concerning the safety in Somalia's capital. Abdullahi Sheikh Abdirahman, Kahda's district commissioner, confirmed the…

Somalia contended that the embassy's accounts at Premier Bank Limited should be shielded by diplomatic immunity. Yet, Justice Mabeya pointed out that Article 31 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961) doesn't cover commercial dealings. He decreed that sovereign immunity is inapplicable to states partaking in business activities like contractual engagements. The Somali embassy's envoy, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, declared in an affidavit that the contested funds comprised fees from those applying for passports…

On a sunny Saturday morning, President Muse Bihi Abdi from the Kulmiye party, Waddani's Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, and UCID's Faisal Ali Warabe officially secured their nominations, setting the stage for the upcoming election. Concerns are on the rise about possible electoral conflicts in the area, spotlighting the need for a tranquil and fair contest in Somaliland’s democratic journey. “The players are ready, and the game is on. We’ll compete and respect the commission’s decisions,” Irro stated with resolve.…

CAIRO, Egypt - Somalia is on the cusp of bolstering its military strength with more gear from Egypt, as revealed by the state minister for Foreign Affairs. Amidst prevailing strife, the aid from Cairo has been a lifeline for Mogadishu, ensuring the country's armed forces remain robust and ready.In a significant move fueled by a defense agreement, Egypt has already supplied Somalia with advanced weaponry and ammunition. Ali Omar, the state minister for Foreign Affairs, shared that this collaboration will provide local…

Addis Ababa (AX) — Ethiopia has openly raised eyebrows with the United States regarding the looming possibility of Egyptian soldiers being stationed in Somalia. This concern comes hot on the trail of the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which will wrap up at the close of 2024. Things aren’t exactly cozy between Ethiopia and Somalia these days, as both nations have been building their security rapport with Egypt, causing a bit of a row. The spat kicked off earlier this year when Ethiopia inked a deal with…

Ethiopia Scoffs at Somalia's Rebel Support Threat, Calling It 'Absurd,' Escalating Strain ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - Ethiopia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the African Union, Nebiyu Tedla, has fired back at Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, over his cautionary remarks about aiding Ethiopian rebels. In a blunt post on X, Nebiyu labeled the claims as "absurd" and accused Fiqi of sidelining national progress for clan agendas. "It’s laughable to see Al-Shabaab sympathizers masquerading as…

The U.S. embassy cautioned, "While attacks can happen anytime, worries spike around anniversaries of former terrorist assaults like 9/11, the Westgate Mall tragedy on September 21st, and the October 7th Hamas strike on Israel." Americans in Nairobi are encouraged to stay undercover, dodge protest zones, and remain vigilant in hangouts popular with tourists and foreigners. The UK embassy in Kenya backed this up with a travel warning, urging travel only when necessary. The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office…

NAIROBI, Kenya — In a dramatic twist, Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi mentioned supporting Ethiopian insurgents if Ethiopia advances with a contentious deal involving Somaliland. These comments, shared on Universal TV on September 12, represent a spike in regional tension. This tension stems from an agreement penned earlier this year where Ethiopia gains access to the Red Sea via Somaliland’s shores, potentially acknowledging Somaliland's plea for independence. Naturally, Somalia, viewing…