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

Somalia’s Southwest State has accused senior federal officials of maintaining links with Al-Shabaab and arming local militias, sharpening its standoff with Mogadishu. Authorities in Baidoa alleged that federal ministers and lawmakers have organized and supplied armed groups operating in Buurhakaba district in the Bay region. Southwest State Security Minister Hassan Abdulkadir told reporters the fighters are outside Somalia’s official security structure and behave like extremist insurgents. These groups are not government…

Iran elevated Mojtaba Khamenei to supreme leader following the Feb. 28 killing of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a U.S.-Israeli strike that also killed about 40 senior officials, a move intended to signal constitutional continuity in a precarious moment. The strike that assassinated the supreme leader aimed to decapitate Iran’s leadership and spur a popular push to unseat those in power. Debate over the strategy’s wisdom will continue, but authorities moved quickly to install Mojtaba Khamenei to show the state still…

Taliska Mareykanka ee Afrika (AFRICOM) ayaa sheegay inuu 16-ka Maarso 2026 duqeyn cirka ah ka fuliyay agagaarka Buuraha Golis ee Puntland State, iyadoo lala beegsaday xubno ka tirsan ISIS. AFRICOM ayaa Talaadadii ku sheegtay bayaan in weerarku ka dhacay deegaanka Buuraha Golis, qiyaastii 45 kiiloomitir (28 mayl) koonfur-bari kaga beegan magaalada Boosaaso. “AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade ISIS-Somalia’s ability to threaten the U.S. homeland,…

Caf awards 2025 Afcon title to Morocco after overturning Senegal’s final win Morocco have been declared winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after Caf ruled Senegal forfeited the final following a controversial walk-off during the match. The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has overturned Senegal’s 1-0 victory over Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, ruling that Senegal forfeited the match and awarding a 3-0 win to Morocco. The decision follows an appeal by the Moroccan Football Federation…

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…