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

Russia blocks WhatsApp, urges users onto domestic ‘Max’ app as Kremlin cites legal noncompliance Russia has blocked WhatsApp nationwide over what the Kremlin called the platform’s failure to comply with local legislation, intensifying a state push to shift tens of millions of people to a homegrown alternative that lacks end-to-end encryption. “As for the blocking of WhatsApp ... such a decision was indeed made and implemented,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, adding that the move stemmed from the service’s…

CAIRO — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Egypt’s defense minister, Gen. Abdel Mageed Saqr, on Wednesday attended a military formation ceremony for Egyptian troops preparing to deploy to Somalia under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The event, held in Egypt, was also attended by Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Ahmed Khalifa and senior commanders, according to a statement from the Egyptian military spokesman. During the visit, officials received a detailed briefing on the preparation…

The source text best fits the Healthy Eating format. It provides science-informed nutrition tips, discusses lower-calorie meal options available at various chain restaurants, and emphasizes practical advice for making healthy dining choices. The content aligns with guidance on nutrition and wellness trends, which is characteristic of articles focused on healthy eating. By Ali Musa Axadle Wellness Desk – Health & Nutrition Monitoring. Getting a good light meal for under 500 calories isn't as tricky as you might…

Families in the remote Canadian town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, are mourning eight people killed in a mass shooting Tuesday that tore through a home and a secondary school, claiming the lives of five children and a teacher. Police identified the shooter as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who later died by suicide. Among the victims was 12-year-old Kylie Smith, remembered by her family as “a beautiful soul.” Kylie was killed alongside four other children and a teacher at the town’s secondary school, authorities…

MOGADISHU — Somalia has won a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council for the 2026–2028 term, a diplomatic milestone that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday cast as proof of the country’s renewed standing on the continent and beyond. In a national address, Hassan Sheikh said the election reflects Somalia’s growing credibility and the reemergence of its voice in regional affairs after years of rebuilding state institutions. “This victory demonstrates the significant progress of Somalia’s diplomacy and…

TUMBLER RIDGE, British Columbia — Canadian police on Tuesday identified 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar as the gunman who killed eight people, including family members and students at her former school, before taking her own life in one of the worst mass shootings in Canada’s history. Authorities revised the death toll to nine, including the attacker, down from an earlier count of 10. A motive has not been determined. Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said Van Rootselaar first killed…

Former Somali premiers warn reforms timetable is unrealistic, urge consensus on elections MOGADISHU — Two former Somali prime ministers sharply criticized the federal government’s push to complete sweeping constitutional and political changes before the current term ends, warning that the roughly three months remaining are insufficient and risk deepening instability. Speaking at an event in Mogadishu on Wednesday, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire said the administration’s reform agenda — including a constitutional…

US Troops to Train Nigerian Military Amid Islamist Threats The United States is set to deploy approximately 200 troops to Nigeria as part of a strategic initiative to bolster the Nigerian military's efforts in combating the growing menace of Islamist militants. This move marks the first confirmed US ground presence in Nigeria since the controversial Christmas Day airstrikes ordered by former President Donald Trump. Training Deployment Details The troops are expected to arrive within weeks and will focus on providing…

Nine people were killed and at least 27 others were wounded in a mass shooting that shattered the small Canadian town of Tumbler Ridge, authorities said, as a local pastor called the violence “beyond comprehension.” The suspected shooter appears to have taken their own life at Tumbler Ridge High School, police said. Six people were shot dead at the high school, and a seventh person with a gunshot wound died while en route to a hospital, according to authorities. Separately, police said two more bodies were found at a…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkish Navy warships docked at Mogadishu’s seaport Tuesday, marking a new phase in Somalia–Turkey security cooperation as the allies expand joint maritime operations alongside deepening energy ties in Somali waters. The vessels were formally welcomed Wednesday by a high-level Somali delegation led by State Minister for Defense Omar Abdi Ali. Somali National Army Commander Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud, who also oversees the navy and coast guard, attended alongside senior naval officers and…