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

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…

Flight carrying Puntland State lawmakers ordered back to Mogadishu; Puntland State suspends Daallo Airlines MOGADISHU, Somalia — More than 30 members of Somalia’s federal parliament from Puntland State were forced to return to the capital on Monday after their flight to Garowe was ordered back, intensifying a political standoff ahead of a planned consultative meeting in the regional capital. The lawmakers were en route to a meeting convened by Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni on Somalia’s political situation.…

AUSTIN, Texas — A gunman opened fire in downtown Austin early Monday, killing two people and wounding 14 before police shot him dead, authorities said. The FBI said investigators are exploring a potential terrorism link as an intelligence-monitoring group identified the suspect as a U.S. citizen of Senegalese origin who had posted pro-Iranian regime messages online. FBI Special Agent Alex Doran said an exact motive was not yet known, but “there were indicators on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate a potential nexus…

KISMAYO, Somalia — Jubaland State President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe has invited federal lawmakers from his state to a consultative meeting in Kismayo as political tensions mount over Somalia’s electoral process ahead of the 2026 vote. In a letter dated March 1, 2026, Madobe’s office called on members of both houses of the federal Parliament who represent Jubaland constituencies to convene for discussions on the national political situation and preparations for the coming elections. The outreach comes amid intensifying…

Israel expanded its campaign against Iran on multiple fronts, launching new strikes in Tehran and against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, as U.S. President Donald Trump signaled the U.S.-Israeli operation could continue for weeks and confirmed the first American deaths of the conflict. The Israeli military said its air force had established aerial superiority over Tehran and hit intelligence, security and military command centers across the capital. Air raid sirens sounded across Israel, including in Tel Aviv, where…

Three U.S. soldiers killed, five wounded as Iran retaliates; Trump warns of more losses Three American service members were killed and five others seriously wounded during U.S. attacks on Iran, the military said Sunday, marking the first American casualties in a major offensive that President Donald Trump warned could bring further losses in the coming weeks. U.S. Central Command announced the deaths in a post on X but did not say when or where they occurred as Iran strikes back after joint U.S.-Israeli attacks. The command…

KABUL/ISLAMABAD — Afghanistan said its air defenses fired at Pakistani jets over Kabul after pre-dawn explosions and gunfire rattled the capital, the latest and most visible escalation in a burst of cross-border hostilities that has raised fears of a wider conflict in a region already on edge from U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks on U.S. targets in Gulf states. Taliban administration spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the blasts heard across parts of Kabul before sunrise were the result of Afghan forces…

Iran’s state media said Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a large-scale U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran, a watershed moment that jolted the region and set off competing scenes of mourning and celebration across the country. State television announced a 40-day mourning period and seven public holidays for the leader, who had ruled since 1989. A presenter on state TV vowed Khamenei’s “path and mission” would continue with “greater vigour and zeal.” The claim of his death, which Iranian and Israeli officials…

MSF Calls for Urgent Humanitarian Assistance in Gaza This section details the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza and the imperative for increased support from international communities. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is advocating for sustained assistance amid severe restrictions. MSF requests a massive scale-up of lifesaving assistance. Israeli authorities are being called upon to comply with international humanitarian law. Global governments must ensure the respect of International Court of Justice…