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

Somalia's foreign minister has hinted at backing Ethiopian rebels if Ethiopia proceeds with its accord with Somaliland. Abdi Moalim Fiqi responded on Universal TV on September 12. "Somalia may consider engaging with armed factions opposing the Ethiopian regime. It's an open avenue if Ethiopia keeps pushing," said Fiqi. He emphasized that nothing drastic has occurred yet. "We're not at that stage, but the option is open. If they persist with hostility and that dubious agreement, that’s a path we could take — to support,…

The Egyptian bigwigs also tuned into what Afwerki had to say about the Red Sea shenanigans. Their focus was on laying the groundwork to get maritime shenanigans back to normal and boost international trade through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. They also chewed the fat on what's popping in the Horn of Africa and the hurdles the region's hopping over, along with brainstorming ways to jazz up security and peace.This chat comes right as Somalia is embroiled in a tiff with Ethiopia. The drama revolves around Ethiopia's role in the…

Beledweyne (AX) — On Sunday, Ma'awisley warriors launched a focused offensive against Al-Shabaab militants in Hiiraan region, specifically eyeing zones close to the Halgan district. This assault homed in on spots along the Shabelle River, purportedly where Al-Shabaab fighters regrouped after crossing from the west.As per a Ma'awisley leader, their efforts successfully dismantled Al-Shabaab's gatherings and inflicted hefty damages. "The hideouts of the Khawarij have been obliterated," the official declared, employing a…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the heart of Adado, Hawo Mahamud Farah, better known as Hawo Jookar, shattered barriers by steering a Bajaj (auto-rickshaw) through the town's lively streets. Not only did she face the grim realities of societal backlash and road hazards, but she did so to ensure a stable life for her five children, daring to defy entrenched gender expectations.Hawo’s adventure in the Bajaj driver’s seat began under challenging circumstances. "I got hitched young," she explained. "Later, I was left alone to fend for…

"Not good enough." That was Arne Slot’s blunt assessment following his inaugural loss as Liverpool manager last Saturday. The unexpected 1-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League shattered Slot’s unblemished record since taking over from Jurgen Klopp at Anfield after the previous season. "We dominated possession but carved out only three or four decent chances. Frankly, that's insufficient," lamented the Dutchman, expressing disbelief at his team’s loss to Forest. "Losing a home game…

Galkayo, Somalia – Over the last couple of days, Presidents Said Abdullahi Deni of Northeastern State and Ahmed Abdi Karie (Qoorqoor) from Galmudug came together in Galkayo. They delved into critical strategies aimed at fostering harmony among their often-feuding clans. This significant conference follows several months marred by inter-clan skirmishes in their regions. The heavy lifting in fostering peace, maintaining order, and bettering livelihoods falls squarely on Somalia's Federal Member States (FMS). While the…

Reports swirling on social media, with sources converging from within Mogadishu, hint that the Hassan Sheikh Mohamud administration is adopting a more assertive position against Ethiopia. They're even making territorial claims on the Ogaden region, suggesting it as part of Somalia.Despite the brewing tension, the U.S. remains hopeful for a diplomatic resolution. The VOA Amharic report highlighted that the United States, along with unspecified partners, is striving towards this goal. “In the present circumstances,…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United States is calling on Somalia and Ethiopia to settle their disputes through diplomacy. It's closely watching the escalating tensions between these two nations, which teeter on the edge of conflict over boundary issues.In a bold move, Richard Riley, the U.S. ambassador to Somalia, urged both countries to consider peaceful Alternative Dispute Resolution instead of gearing up for war. "The consequences of conflict would be devastating," Riley emphasized, underpinning the urgent need for…

GAROWE, Somalia (via KAAB TV) – Ethiopia found itself in the crosshairs after an unexpected move by Somalia's government. The announcement came from none other than Foreign Minister Ahmed Fiqi, a onetime Islamic Courts Union member—an alliance giving rise to Al-Shabaab. He hinted that Somalia might consider backing Ethiopian rebels if Addis Ababa persists with its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland. On Thursday, Fiqi stated, "Ethiopia’s continuation with the MoU opens the door for Somalia to establish…

GAROWE, Somalia (AXADLE) – There's a new twist in Somalia’s ongoing unrest. According to a fresh report from the International Crisis Group, the Islamic State in Somalia (IS-Somalia) has been beefing up its coffers and building clan support, even though its operational muscle remains pretty lean. Being smaller fish in the jihadist pond compared to Al-Shabaab, IS-Somalia has still managed to make waves both locally and on the global stage. Nesting in the craggy nooks of Puntland’s Bari province, IS-Somalia doesn’t look like…