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

Amid Rising Stakes, Somali Leaders Open a Channel for Dialogue MOGADISHU, Somalia — A flurry of high-level meetings in Mogadishu this week has opened a tentative channel for dialogue between Somalia’s federal leadership and key regional and opposition figures, signaling cautious movement amid mounting political tensions over constitutional reforms and the 2026 elections. Late Tuesday, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre conferred behind closed doors with the presidents of Jubaland and Puntland State, two federal member states…

Turkey and Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding on energy cooperation during President Tayyip Erdogan’s one-day visit to Addis Ababa on Tuesday, setting the stage for joint projects and manufacturing across renewable power and efficiency, Turkey’s Energy Ministry said. The accord was inked at a ceremony following talks between Erdogan and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. It marks Erdogan’s first visit to Ethiopia in 11 years and signals a fresh push to deepen Ankara’s engagement with the Horn of Africa. Turkish…

Members of parliament are pressing for a formal review of the benefits granted to former presidents after media reports said founding president Sam Nujoma had amassed assets worth more than N$100 million, including a state-funded mansion. The controversy has reopened questions about the scope and oversight of the 2004 Former Presidents' Pension and Other Benefits Act and about the line between public support and private enrichment. The 2004 law guarantees former heads of state a pension and a suite of state-funded…

Erdogan tells Ethiopia it would gain nothing from recognizing North Western State of Somalia ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during an official visit to Addis Ababa that Ethiopia would gain no benefit from recognizing North Western State of Somalia, underscoring Ankara’s support for Somalia’s territorial integrity. Erdogan said he conveyed the message directly to Abiy, arguing that any formal move to recognize the self-declared republic would not serve…

Somalia cleared to issue East African Community passports, boosting regional mobility Wednesday February 18, 2026 MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia has received formal approval to issue East African Community (EAC) passports, a key step in the country’s regional integration and a move officials say will ease cross-border travel for Somali citizens across the bloc. The authorization was conveyed in an official letter presented by Somalia’s ambassador to Tanzania and permanent representative to the EAC, Ilyas Ali Hassan. He handed…

‘Not now and not anytime soon’: Ukraine’s 18–22 exit rule sends a wave of young men to Poland and beyond On a gray December morning in Warsaw, Vadym, a 22-year-old from Chernihiv, stepped off a bus, opened his phone and started calling. Within days, he had a job with a Ukrainian logistics firm operating in Poland. Within weeks, he had a plan. “As for returning to Ukraine, in my view, not now and not anytime soon after the war ends,” he said. “Now I can only think about what lies beyond its borders.” Vadym is part of a new,…

Tributes Pour in for Jesse Jackson, Renowned Civil Rights Leader and Anti-Apartheid Advocate Civil rights leader and anti-apartheid struggle flagbearer Jesse Jackson has died at the age of 84. Leaders across the continent expressed their condolences and paid tribute to his decades-long fight for equality and justice. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his condolences to the Jackson family, highlighting that Jackson's campaign against apartheid and support for the liberation movement significantly contributed…

Erdogan says Israel’s North Western State of Somalia recognition would not benefit region as Türkiye, Ethiopia expand ties ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday warned that Israel’s move to recognize North Western State of Somalia would not benefit North Western State of Somalia or the wider Horn of Africa, urging regional governments to resolve disputes without opening the door to foreign power rivalries. “I would like to reiterate that Israel’s recognition of North Western State of…

Search crews in California’s Sierra Nevada were racing against fading light and relentless snowfall to find 10 missing skiers after an avalanche swept a guided group on Castle Peak in the Tahoe area, officials said. The slide struck late yesterday morning as a powerful storm pummeled the mountains with heavy snow and high winds. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office said 16 people — four guides and 12 clients — were caught up in the avalanche near the summit west of Truckee. Six have been accounted for, but mountain rescue…

Rescuers launched a frantic search for 10 missing backcountry skiers after an avalanche swept a guided group on California’s Castle Peak in the Tahoe area, as a powerful Sierra Nevada storm continued dumping heavy snow and driving winds. Authorities said 16 people — four guides and 12 clients — were caught up in the slide late yesterday morning. Six have been accounted for, and mountain rescue teams were attempting to reach them while also combing the area for the others amid whiteout conditions and fresh snowfall. “Highly…