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

Somalia’s political crossroads: constitutional overhaul, airspace disputes and a shrinking clock MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s fragile federal project is entering a decisive stretch where every move carries legal and political consequences. Pressure is mounting over a proposed constitutional overhaul, a breakdown in elite negotiations, an escalating dispute over control of airspace and airports, and enduring grievances about land governance in Mogadishu — all as the presidency faces a narrowing window to build consensus…

Rwanda Battles Alarming Rise in Illicit Alcohol Consumption Rwandan authorities are raising the alarm over a surge in illicit alcohol consumption that has claimed over a dozen lives and left hundreds more facing severe health crises, including permanent vision loss. Police report that the Eastern Province is the hardest hit, where local brews are frequently contaminated with methanol—a toxic industrial chemical. The Rwanda Standards Bureau has taken significant measures by dismantling illegal production sites and…

Airspace closures across the Middle East have triggered sweeping flight cancellations and global knock-on delays, as pressure mounts on the region’s key aviation hubs in Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi. Dublin Airport said all services between Ireland and the Middle East scheduled for today are canceled, with 5,000 to 6,000 passengers affected so far, underscoring how the disruption is rippling through long-haul travel networks. Gulf gateways are central to east–west traffic linking Europe with Asia and Australia. Twenty-three…

ST. CLOUD, Minnesota — When Abdi Daisane first resettled in the United States in 2009, he called family overseas to describe a freedom that felt radical after years in a Kenyan refugee camp: no one demanded to see his papers. In Minnesota, he didn’t live at a checkpoint. Seventeen years later, as Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents surged into Minnesota in recent months, that assurance unraveled. Daisane, who owns Blooming Kids Child Center in St. Cloud and is running for an open state House seat, found himself…

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria's (FAAN) newly launched cashless payment system has triggered massive congestion at the country's major airports, leaving motorists and travelers stranded for hours. The policy, which took effect on March 1, aims to curb revenue leakages but has instead resulted in significant delays and frustration. Heavy gridlock was reported at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja as drivers scrambled to obtain the new toll payment…

Ukraine says U.S.-brokered talks with Russia have not been canceled despite weekend strikes on Iran that President Volodymyr Zelensky linked to the United States and Israel, though Kyiv is weighing a change of venue from Abu Dhabi to Turkey or Switzerland. Zelensky told reporters the meeting, tentatively set for March 5-6 in the United Arab Emirates capital, remains on the calendar but may be relocated “due to the ongoing hostilities.” He added, “If there are difficulties with Abu Dhabi because of missiles and drones, then I…

Arsenal stay five clear with set-piece edge over Chelsea as Man United surge to third; Fulham, Brighton also win Arsenal tightened their grip on the Premier League lead with a 2-1 win over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, while Benjamin Sesko’s second-half header completed Manchester United’s comeback against Crystal Palace to lift them to third. Fulham clipped Tottenham Hotspur in west London, and Brighton edged Nottingham Forest after a frantic opening quarter-hour. Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea Manchester United 2-1 Crystal Palace…

Three U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles were mistakenly shot down over Kuwait by Kuwaiti air defenses during active combat operations that included Iranian attacks, U.S. Central Command said, as video circulating online showed a warplane falling over the Al Jahra area and a pilot parachuting to safety. The six air crew members ejected and survived, CENTCOM said. The incident unfolded amid escalating regional hostilities following Iranian strikes, according to the command. “Three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of…

Somalia condemns Iranian strikes on Arab states, backs Gulf allies and urges restraint MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government on Sunday condemned Iranian attacks on several Arab countries, calling them a violation of sovereignty and a threat to regional stability. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the strikes had caused destruction, injuries and loss of life, and amounted to a breach of the territorial integrity of the affected states. “Somalia expresses its deep concern…

Directive to force public servants into state healthcare ignites constitutional and capacity debate A government directive ordering public servants and senior officials to use the public healthcare system has thrown a spotlight on constitutional rights, public-sector capacity and political risk. Announced as part of negotiations over full government coverage of Public Service Employee Medical Aid Scheme (PSEMAS) fees, the move — slated to take effect on April 1 — has been met by legal and practical objections from former…