Elite

In Mogadishu’s Dec. 25 municipal vote, the promise of direct democracy met the reality of centralized power. Marketed as a landmark step toward universal suffrage and a prelude to Somalia’s 2026 presidential contest, the election in the Banadir region looked—by design and outcome—like a nomination process dressed up as a popular mandate. That tension goes to the core of Somalia’s electoral dilemma: in a fragile state without a census, credible registries or impartial institutions, the rush to “one person, one vote” can…

Cycling Through the Heart of Africa: Rwanda's Historic Championship In an exciting inaugural event for the continent, Rwanda is hosting the prestigious annual cycling championship, organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). Running from September 21 to 28 in the vibrant capital of Kigali, this championship is a significant milestone, not just for the nation but for Africa’s visibility on the global sports stage. As the "Land of a Thousand Hills" welcomes elite cyclists and fans from around the world, the event…

U.S. halts support for Somalia’s elite Danab commandos, raising alarm as AU forces prepare to leave MOGADISHU, Somalia — The United States has suspended its support for Somalia’s elite Danab special forces, reliable sources told Axadle on Monday, a move that could reshape the fragile security balance as African Union troops prepare to withdraw next year. The decision, described to journalists by sources who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the subject, follows growing U.S. concerns about “accountability…

Mogadishu (AX) – On Saturday, Hanad Ahmed Muse, a distinguished officer in the elite Haramcad police unit, tragically lost his life at his residence in Moalim Noor, Dharkenley district, Mogadishu. Witnesses from the neighborhood claim that government soldiers were responsible for the shooting, yet the reason remains shrouded in mystery. As of now, no official word has emerged from the nation's security agencies about this unsettling event. Recently, Mogadishu has experienced a drop in violent episodes linked to government…