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

U.S. and Iran edge toward framework as Geneva nuclear talks resume, but missile rift looms GENEVA — The United States and Iran could reach a framework agreement if Washington separates nuclear issues from other disputes, a senior Iranian official said, as a third round of indirect talks resumed in Geneva amid rising regional tensions and a U.S. military buildup. The official said “new ideas” surfaced in a three-hour session mediated by Oman between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and…

Trump says Omar, Tlaib should be sent ‘back’ after State of the Union protests WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib should be sent “back from where they came from,” escalating a clash with two Muslim Democratic lawmakers who loudly protested his immigration remarks during his State of the Union address. In a late-Wednesday post on his Truth Social platform, Trump accused the congresswomen of behaving like “crooked and corrupt politicians” and used demeaning language to describe them.…

Tweah Accuses Vice President Koung of Conspiracy During Corruption Trial Former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah has accused Vice President Jeremiah Koung of orchestrating a plot to imprison him, alleging that such a move would clear a path for Koung’s own presidential ambitions. These serious accusations emerged as Tweah's corruption trial resumed, where he and several former officials face allegations regarding the misappropriation of $6.2 million funds. The funds at the heart of the case were reportedly designated for…

Top House Democrat accuses Justice Department of withholding FBI interviews tied to Trump accuser in Epstein files release A senior Democrat on the House Oversight Committee alleges the Justice Department withheld more than 50 pages of FBI interview records with a woman who says Donald Trump sexually abused her as a minor, excluding them from the public release of millions of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents. Rep. Robert Garcia said he confirmed reports by National Public Radio and independent journalist Roger Sollenberger…

Northeastern administration accuses North Western State of Somalia forces of attack in Sanaag’s Waqdariya; casualties reported Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 MOGADISHU — The Northeastern regional administration on Thursday accused North Western State of Somalia forces of attacking civilians in the Waqdariya area of Sanaag region, saying the assault caused casualties but offering no official toll. In a statement issued by its Ministry of Security, the administration said the incident occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. in Waqdariya,…

A new scramble for Africa is underway — not with warships or colonial flags, but with battery supply chains, green-transition targets and high-level trade delegations. Governments and corporations are hunting lithium, cobalt, graphite, manganese, platinum-group metals and rare earth elements that power electric vehicles, wind turbines and digital infrastructure. The race promises opportunity for African states; it also risks renewing old patterns of extraction without local benefit or environmental safeguards. The global…

The Rising Violence in Northwestern Nigeria This section examines the increasing violence in Zamfara State and its broader impact. It provides an overview of the recent attacks and highlights the ongoing security challenges. At least 38 people killed in an attack on a village in Zamfara State. Banditry and extremism are key sources of insecurity in the region. Armed gangs operate from forested regions, complicating containment efforts. Details of the Attack Here, we focus on the specifics of the recent attack…

North Western State of Somalia's Bid for International Recognition In a bold move to gain international legitimacy, separatist North Western State of Somalia is reaching out to powerful nations by offering access to its valuable resources and strategic military locations. North Western State of Somalia declared independence from Somalia in 1991, seeking recognition as a separate entity. Israel recognized North Western State of Somalia's independence in December, a milestone in its quest for international acceptance.…

‘Giselle’ underground: Kharkiv’s ballet keeps dancing as war grinds on KHARKIV, Ukraine — In a city battered by missiles and winter blackouts, the Kharkiv National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre has found its stage a few floors below ground. The company’s last performance in its grand auditorium above street level took place on Feb. 23, 2022. Hours later, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and tried to seize Kharkiv. What followed remade the life of one of Ukraine’s leading ballet companies: shattered…

Protests Erupt in Kaduna Over El-Rufai's Continued Detention Protests erupted in various parts of Kaduna State in response to the ongoing detention of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. The demonstrations, primarily led by youth groups, were fueled by concerns that El-Rufai's prolonged detention—despite pending court proceedings—undermines both due process and legal fairness. Participants voiced their frustrations and called for El-Rufai's immediate release, arguing that his treatment reflects a troubling trend of…