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

Saudi authorities said the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on March 18, 2026, meaning Ramadan will run for a full 30 days, while officials also announced four-day Eid holidays for private sector workers. Saudi authorities confirmed on Wednesday that the crescent moon marking the start of Shawwal had not been sighted, leading to a decision that the holy month of Ramadan would complete 30 days. A moon-sighting committee convened to verify the beginning of the new lunar month, in line with Islamic traditions that…

The Southwest State officials accused unnamed federal government figures of maintaining links with al-Shabab and arming militias in Buur Hakaba and that deepening tensions with Mogadishu. Authorities in Baidoa said in statements and public remarks that some federal ministers and lawmakers were involved in organizing and supplying armed groups actively in Buur Hakaba district of Bay region. Southwest Security Minister Hassan Abdulkadir asserted that the fighters operating there are not part of recognized state forces…

Rwanda’s teenage pregnancy rate rose to 8% in 2025 from 5% in 2020, according to the Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey, prompting warnings from health authorities about school dropouts, maternal health risks and reduced economic prospects for girls. Health authorities in Rwanda warned that the rising rate of teenage pregnancy is contributing to students leaving school, increased maternal health risks and limited economic opportunities for young women. The Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey reported that prevalence…

Niger has summoned the European Union's chargé d'affaires in response to a parliamentary resolution demanding the release of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The Nigerien government criticized what it described as the EU's "paternalistic and condescending attitude." The European Parliament's resolution asserted that Bazoum, who assumed office in 2021 following an electoral victory, remains Niger's democratically elected leader. Analysts indicate that Bazoum's strong connections with France, the former colonial power, may…

The Zimbabwe Peace Project reported more than 100 human rights violations affecting 3,205 people across Zimbabwe in February 2026. In its latest report, the watchdog said the cases spanned severe abuses — including torture, assault, enforced disappearances and abductions — as well as infringements on civil and political rights. The group said members of the ruling Zanu PF party were responsible for 35.46% of incidents, largely through political intimidation, coercion and interference with fundamental freedoms. It added that…

Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen resigned from the Justice and Solidarity Party led by Somalia’s president, in the latest sign of escalating tensions with the federal government. Laftagareen, who had served as the party’s deputy chairman, announced his departure on March 18, 2026. “I, President of Southwest State H.E. Abdiaziz Laftagareen, resign as Deputy Chairman of the JSP effective today, March 18, 2026. I cannot support unconstitutional actions that weaken our unity. My commitment remains to…

Somalia’s Interior Ministry said Wednesday it is monitoring escalating tensions with Southwest State and warned that continued political friction could endanger peace and stability. In a statement, the Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation voiced concern about the dispute’s impact and underscored the need to uphold the constitution and the federal system of governance. “The federal government commends the people and administration of the Southwest State for their role in preserving the unity of the…

Southwest State President Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen arrived in Baidoa despite a reported suspension of flights and rising tensions with Somalia’s federal government. Southwest State President Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen reached Baidoa on Monday, despite an air travel suspension that halted passenger flights from Mogadishu earlier in the day. Reports indicate that the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) had sought to prevent his return to the regional capital, though this could not be independently…

Iran’s foreign minister said the killing of Ali Larijani will not destabilize the country’s leadership or governing system. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday that the assassination of Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, would not shake the leadership or the system that, he said, the United States and Israel aim to dismantle. He spoke in an interview with Al Jazeera that aired after Iranian authorities confirmed Larijani’s death. Araghchi said Washington and Jerusalem have…

Glasgow Central railway station has partially reopened after a March 8 fire in a neighboring building forced its closure. By Abdiwahab AhmedAxadle Times international–Monitoring The main part of the station had been shut since March 8 after the blaze destroyed much of the adjacent building, and it has now reopened in part. Network Rail previously said the partial reopening would operate with reduced capacity and urged passengers to check journey times before traveling. It also told passengers the station would look different…