Analysis & Reports

On April 25, 2026, coordinated attacks by unidentified armed groups occurred in Mali, including in the capital Bamako. Concurrently, a jihadist ambush in Nigeria's Borno state resulted in at least 17 civilian deaths. The Malian Armed Forces reported the situation as under control, highlighting the ongoing security crisis in the Sahel region.

Marie DuboisSat Apr 25 2026Loading...

The Burkinabè Army and Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) killed 1,837 civilians in Burkina Faso between January 2023 and August 2025 amid escalating violence from jihadist groups. The JNIM conducted multiple attacks, resulting in significant civilian casualties. The situation has prompted international calls for investigations into war crimes, highlighting the growing jihadist threat in coastal West African states like Togo, Benin, and Ivory Coast.

Marie DuboisSat Apr 25 2026Loading...

The report contains insufficient information to determine any military activity or relevance. No specific details regarding troop movements, equipment, or locations are provided.

Marie DuboisSat Apr 25 2026Loading...

Jamāʿat Nusrat al-Islām wa-l-Muslimīn (JNIM) has shifted its military focus from Mali to Burkina Faso since January 2026, reducing operations in Mali. The group has conducted over 502 attacks in Burkina Faso, while casualties in Mali have dropped significantly. Speculations arise regarding a possible tacit agreement between the Malian government and JNIM, as local media report prisoner releases and the establishment of a national fuel reserve by Bamako.

Marie DuboisFri Apr 24 2026Loading...

The conflict in Sudan, ongoing since April 15, 2023, involves intense fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, resulting in over 59,000 deaths. Colombian mercenaries, linked to the UAE, are actively supporting the RSF, including during their capture of El-Fasher in October 2025. The situation has exacerbated humanitarian crises, with significant logistical support from Libyan militias.

Marie DuboisThu Apr 23 2026Loading...

On April 16, 2026, the military government of Burkina Faso dissolved 118 NGOs, intensifying its repression of civil society. This action follows the regime's previous dissolution of political parties and the suppression of human rights organizations. Reports indicate over 1,837 civilian deaths attributed to government forces and allied militias since January 2023, with significant ethnic targeting of Fulani communities. The regime's actions reflect a broader trend of authoritarian governance and escalating violence in the region.

Marie DuboisWed Apr 22 2026Loading...

Burkinabe Armed Forces conducted extensive military operations against terrorist groups in March and April 2026, achieving significant victories including the recapture of Pétégoli and the neutralization of over a hundred terrorists in a single operation. The 28th Rapid Intervention Battalion and Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland played key roles in these efforts, which disrupted enemy logistics and secured strategic locations across the country. This campaign marks a pivotal shift in Burkina Faso's counter-terrorism strategy, emphasizing national capabilities over foreign assistance.

Marie DuboisSun Apr 19 2026Loading...

On April 11, 2026, the Nigerian Army conducted an airstrike on the Jilli market in Yobe State, resulting in over 100 civilian deaths and at least 35 serious injuries. Local reports indicate a total of around 200 victims, highlighting the devastating impact of the strike. The market was reportedly controlled by Boko Haram, raising concerns about the military's engagement rules and the humanitarian implications of such operations.

Marie DuboisSun Apr 19 2026Loading...

The Unified Force of the Alliance of Sahel States, established in December 2025 in Niamey, comprises 6,000 personnel from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, aimed at combating jihadist threats. This force marks a significant shift in regional security strategy, allowing for flexible operations across national borders. Funding is sourced from member states, and military partnerships have expanded to include various countries, notably Russia and Turkey.

Marie DuboisSat Apr 18 2026Loading...

Jihadist fighters launched coordinated attacks in northern Nigeria from April 6-13, 2026, resulting in at least 90 civilian deaths and the killing of Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah during an assault on a military base in Benisheikh. Airstrikes in Yobe caused over 100 civilian casualties, while intercommunal violence escalated in Zamfara and Niger. The U.S. State Department responded by allowing non-essential embassy personnel to leave Abuja due to deteriorating security.

Marie DuboisSat Apr 18 2026Loading...

The Sudanese civil war continues to drive instability across the Red Sea to the Sahel region, with Chad emerging as a critical hub for military support to the FSR in Darfur. Over ten million people are displaced, and significant geopolitical maneuvers are underway, including Russia's naval base negotiations in Port-Sudan and U.S. drone operations in Morocco. The situation is evolving with the withdrawal of Chadian troops from Niger, Mali, and Nigeria by April 22, 2026.

Marie DuboisFri Apr 17 2026Loading...

Armed Islamist groups, including JNIM and Boko Haram, have intensified their operations in Africa, establishing territorial control and causing significant casualties. In 2025, JNIM was responsible for 1,274 deaths across Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Benin. Boko Haram's recent attack on a Nigerian army base resulted in the deaths of a colonel and six soldiers, highlighting the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria. The overall trend indicates a strategic shift towards control rather than mere attacks.

Marie DuboisThu Apr 16 2026Loading...

The Unified Force of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) increased its troop strength to 6,000 soldiers by February 2026 to combat jihadist threats. In the same month, the JNIM executed coordinated attacks across Burkina Faso. The AES deployed 1,500 elite soldiers and air defense units near the Niger-Nigeria border, raising regional tensions. Concurrently, the U.S. sent 200 soldiers to Nigeria for intelligence and training missions, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Sahel region.

Marie DuboisWed Apr 15 2026Loading...

On April 11, 2026, the Nigerian Air Force conducted an airstrike on the Jilli market in Yobe, resulting in up to 200 civilian casualties. Concurrently, the Flintlock 2026 multinational military exercise began in Sirte, Libya, involving over thirty nations under AFRICOM. These events highlight the ongoing security challenges in West Africa and the Sahel, exacerbated by the withdrawal of Western forces and increasing jihadist activity.

Marie DuboisTue Apr 14 2026Loading...

In April 2026, the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) intensified its violent campaign against Nigerien military forces, resulting in at least 35 military personnel killed. Concurrently, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) conducted large-scale attacks in Benin, leading to casualties among both militants and soldiers. Regional military initiatives are underway, with Morocco and Mauritania enhancing their security cooperation.

Marie DuboisSun Apr 12 2026Loading...

Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) conducted large-scale coordinated attacks across Burkina Faso and Mali between May and July 2025. In February 2026, JNIM launched further coordinated assaults in eastern and northern Burkina Faso. The Islamic State in the Sahel (ISSP) maintains control over the Catupa forest in Northwest Nigeria despite Rwandan air operations. Increased collaboration among jihadist groups is noted, with directives from ISIS's central command to support operations in the Sahel.

Marie DuboisTue Apr 07 2026Loading...

Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) conducted unprecedented coordinated attacks in Burkina Faso from March 22-27, 2026, targeting security forces and civilians, leading to numerous casualties. This escalation coincided with the withdrawal of UN forces, allowing jihadist groups to intensify their operations. The Sahel region now represents over half of global terrorism-related deaths, prompting the Alliance of Sahel States to enhance military cooperation.

Marie DuboisMon Apr 06 2026Loading...

The Unified Force of the Alliance of Sahel States is implementing a new security approach. Details regarding troop numbers, specific activities, and locations are not provided in the report. The source of this information is unknown, and its reliability is moderate.

Marie DuboisMon Apr 06 2026Loading...

The Sahel States Alliance was formed in January 2026 by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to address common security challenges. Malian Armed Forces, in collaboration with Russian paramilitary groups, killed 918 civilians between 2025 and 2026, raising concerns about military strategies. The region is acquiring new military capabilities, including Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano aircraft and Bayraktar TB2 drones, while jihadist groups adapt their tactics amid ongoing military operations.

Marie DuboisSun Apr 05 2026Loading...

On July 27, 2024, a Russian-Malian column was ambushed near Tinzaouaten, Mali, resulting in the deaths of 46 Russian fighters. This incident marks the largest loss for Russian forces in the Sahel since their deployment. The Africa Corps, which has only 2,500 troops, continues to struggle against jihadist insurgents, revealing significant operational weaknesses.

Marie DuboisSun Apr 05 2026Loading...