Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
China deploys J-16s to Egypt — 6,000 km power projection reshapes Africa’s strategic balance in 2026
On August 26, 2026, six Chinese J-16 fighters participated in military exercises with Egyptian Rafale fighters in Egypt, showcasing China's long-range operational capabilities. The J-16s, having traveled over 6,000 km from China, were supported by YY-20A tankers and other aircraft. This exercise is part of China's strategy to enhance military cooperation and test logistics in Africa, marking a significant shift in the region's strategic balance.
Marie DuboisTue Sep 08 2026Loading...
The gold mines of the Sahel finance JNIM in 2026 and threaten Ghana and Senegal
The Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) is expanding its influence over gold mining operations in the Sahel, particularly in Burkina Faso, and is threatening neighboring countries like Ghana and Senegal. In 2026, JNIM is not only controlling mining areas but also extracting resources from local miners, establishing a system of taxation and control. This evolving situation poses significant risks to regional security as jihadist groups adapt their strategies to maintain their presence and influence.
Marie DuboisSat Sep 05 2026Loading...
The internal war between Boko Haram and ISWAP ignites Sambisa — 23 dead in Borno during the electoral campaign
Boko Haram fighters attacked ISWAP elements in Sambisa, Borno, since September 2, resulting in 23 jihadists killed. The conflict has escalated, impacting local politics as an APC gubernatorial candidate's convoy was targeted by an IED and RPG fire. The Nigerian military has not confirmed these incidents, highlighting ongoing instability in the region.
Marie DuboisSat Sep 05 2026Loading..."Base 101 of Niamey resumed with Russian assistance — Niger pays for the security failure of 2026"
Nigerien Special Forces occupied Base 101 in Niamey on the night of August 28-29, 2026, with significant fighting and arrests occurring. The occupation was supported by the Russian Africa Corps, highlighting the junta's reliance on foreign assistance amid internal military fractures. The base, crucial for military operations, symbolizes the shifting dynamics of power in Niger following the 2023 coup.
Marie DuboisFri Sep 04 2026Loading...
Sudan on Foreign Life Support — 2,000 Colombians and Imported Drones Extend the War in 2026
On September 3, 2026, foreign networks supplied 2,000 Colombian fighters to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, while the Sudanese Army utilized foreign-supplied drones in operations. This support has led to increased military capabilities and significant civilian casualties, with recent attacks resulting in over 180 deaths. The conflict is becoming more sophisticated and transnational, with logistics corridors extending beyond Sudan's borders.
Marie DuboisFri Sep 04 2026Loading...Borno 2026 — two surrenders and a thwarted ambush do not resume the Monguno-Banki axis
On September 2, a patrol from the 151 Task Force Battalion was attacked by an IED and gunfire along the Miyanti-Banki axis in Borno, resulting in the death of three assailants. Two ISWAP fighters surrendered in Monguno with assault rifles and personal items. Despite these events, the Nigerian Army struggles to maintain control over supply routes, indicating ongoing logistical challenges in the region.
Marie DuboisWed Sep 02 2026Loading...
Mogadishu opens two days of security conference in 2026 — Al-Shabaab already tests the post-AU mission
On September 1, 2026, a national security conference took place in Mogadishu, focusing on the transition from AUSSOM and the coordination of security efforts. Somali intelligence reported the killing of a significant Al-Shabaab intelligence leader in Jilib, highlighting ongoing military operations. The conference addressed critical issues such as political oversight and funding for security institutions, indicating the fragile state of security in Somalia as the country prepares to take on more responsibilities.
Marie DuboisWed Sep 02 2026Loading...The 68th Battalion Is Not Enough — Mallam-Fatori Without Village Chiefs Reveals the Fragility of the Return to Borno in 2026
Governor Babagana Zulum suspended local village chiefs in Mallam-Fatori, Borno, highlighting the fragility of civil return in 2026. He inspected damaged infrastructure and emphasized the need for local governance alongside military presence to ensure stability. The 68th Battalion remains active in the area, but the lack of local leadership raises security concerns as displaced populations begin to return.
Marie DuboisTue Sep 01 2026Loading...The Niamey Mutiny in 2026 Reveals a Niger Dependent on the Africa Corps and Algiers
Nigerien soldiers engaged in a mutiny at Base 101 in Niamey on August 28-29, 2026, taking hostages and attempting to seize key government locations. The mutiny was met with support from the Africa Corps and Algerian military, highlighting Niger's reliance on foreign assistance amid internal strife. The situation reflects a deteriorating security environment and challenges to the current military regime's authority.
Marie DuboisTue Sep 01 2026Loading...
Niger after the mutiny of August 29 — the Africa Corps and Algerian Su-30s mask the fracture of the army
Mutinous soldiers attempted to seize control of Niamey's Diori Hamani airport and the presidential perimeter on August 29, 2023. Algeria deployed four Su-30 aircraft, an Il-76 transport, and an Il-78 refueling aircraft to support Niger against destabilization attempts. The Africa Corps, a Russian force, intervened to assist in countering the mutiny, highlighting the Nigerien military's reliance on foreign support amid internal divisions.
Marie DuboisMon Aug 31 2026Loading...
Kopre Mountain in Adamawa — 21 jihadists killed but Boko Haram still stretches the Nigerian front in 2026
On August 27, 2026, the Nigerian Army's Hadin Kai operation killed 21 jihadists at Kopre Mountain in Adamawa. The military engaged in two armed confrontations and destroyed a logistical depot containing motorcycles, bicycles, and weapons. This operation highlights the ongoing insurgency's expansion into southern Adamawa, indicating a shift in jihadist tactics and operational geography.
Marie DuboisMon Aug 31 2026Loading...Chad raises alert after 12 deaths at the Sudanese border — Darfur overflows in 2026
Chad accused the Sudanese army of conducting an airstrike on a military convoy near the Sudanese border, resulting in at least 12 reported deaths. In response, Chad raised its alert level to the maximum, indicating a significant escalation in tensions. Sudan has denied any involvement in the attack, which reflects the growing military implications of the ongoing conflict in Darfur.
Marie DuboisSun Aug 30 2026Loading..."Niamey Shakes the Niger Junta — The Mutiny of August 29 Exposes Tchiani's Weakness"
On August 29, 2023, a mutiny occurred in Niamey, targeting sensitive military sites and attempting to breach security around the presidency. This incident exposed weaknesses in the regime of General Abdourahamane Tchiani, raising concerns about the stability of the Nigerien military. The government urged the population to remain calm following the unrest, which highlights internal challenges within the armed forces.
Marie DuboisSun Aug 30 2026Loading...Base 101 in Niamey under fire — the failed mutiny of 2026 exposes the fragility of the Tiani regime
Gunfire and explosions occurred around Diori Hamani Airport and Base 101 in Niamey on August 29, 2026, indicating an attack on the Nigerien military. The Nigerien Defense Ministry described the incident as a mutiny attempt, revealing vulnerabilities in the regime's control. This situation raises concerns about internal dissent and the effectiveness of the military's security measures in the capital.
Marie DuboisSat Aug 29 2026Loading...Base 101 in Niamey hit for the third time — the Tiani regime loses its rear in 2026
On August 29, 2026, Base 101 in Niamey was attacked for the third time in eight months, with gunfire and explosions reported near Diori Hamani International Airport and the presidential area. The Nigerien military claimed to have regained control, but the repeated attacks raise concerns about the security of critical infrastructure in the capital. This incident reflects a significant shift in the operational environment, indicating that Niamey is becoming a contested area rather than a secure rear base.
Marie DuboisSat Aug 29 2026Loading...
Belgium and Burkina Faso Renew Dialogue — Brussels Returns to the Sahel via Ouagadougou in 2026
Belgium's Vice Prime Minister Maxime Prévot visited Ouagadougou on August 28, 2023, to re-establish diplomatic relations with Burkina Faso after a two-year political rupture. The visit aims to foster cooperation amidst ongoing security challenges in the Sahel region, acknowledging the importance of dialogue with local regimes. This engagement reflects Belgium's strategic interest in maintaining a presence in the region despite the complexities of international relations.
Marie DuboisFri Aug 28 2026Loading...Algeria reconnects with Niger and Mali — the AES seeks the depth it lacks in the north by 2026
Algeria is re-establishing diplomatic ties with Mali and Niger to enhance logistical and security cooperation. Meetings in Algiers involved leaders from both countries, focusing on operational needs in the Sahel. Algeria's role is deemed essential for stabilizing the northern region, as the AES seeks to strengthen its partnerships and address security challenges.
Marie DuboisFri Aug 28 2026Loading...Guinea — Doumbouya's 173 dismissals reveal the fear of an army still divided into clans in 2026
On August 24, 2026, a presidential decree in Guinea removed 173 military personnel from service for alleged desertion, impacting the gendarmerie and special forces. This action is perceived as a political purge aimed at consolidating power and addressing internal military tensions. The decree follows a period of political instability and reflects the leadership's need to assert control over the armed forces.
Marie DuboisThu Aug 27 2026Loading...Without a curfew limit — the center of Mali reveals the logistical advance of JNIM in 2026
Malian authorities imposed a curfew in San from August 24, 2026, due to escalating security concerns following a complex attack on the 23rd Infantry Regiment on August 9. The attack utilized heavy machine guns, kamikaze drones, and armored vehicles, highlighting the logistical challenges faced by the government in maintaining security. The JNIM claimed responsibility for the assault, indicating a persistent threat in the region.
Marie DuboisThu Aug 27 2026Loading...Sudan on the Brink of a Total Embargo — Washington Aims to Strike Drones Before Regional Outbreak in 2026
The U.S. proposed to expand the arms embargo on Sudan to include drones and their components during a Security Council meeting on August 25, 2026. This move aims to address the rising civilian casualties attributed to drone strikes, which have reportedly killed over 1,120 civilians in the first half of 2026. Russia and China have opposed this proposal, emphasizing the need to respect Sudan's sovereignty and avoid exacerbating the conflict.
Marie DuboisWed Aug 26 2026Loading...
