Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
ECOWAS mobilizes 2000 soldiers against jihadist expansion: a delayed and fragmented response in the Sahel
ECOWAS announced the deployment of 2000 soldiers by the end of 2026 to combat jihadist expansion in the Sahel. This decision follows a significant increase in violence from groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and ISIS, which has resulted in thousands of deaths. The ECOWAS Standby Force will face challenges due to a fractured relationship with the Alliance of Sahel States, which has formed its own defense coalition. The situation remains complex, with ongoing security threats and operational difficulties.
Marie DuboisTue Mar 03 2026Loading...
The Sahel Facing a Security Escalation: The Rivalry Between ECOWAS and the Sahel States Alliance Redefines the Regional Counterterrorism Landscape
In 2026, ECOWAS announced plans to deploy 2,000 soldiers to combat terrorism in West Africa, while the Sahel States Alliance operates a joint military force of 5,000. The region faces unprecedented terrorist threats, with over half of global terrorism-related deaths occurring in West Africa. Tensions between ECOWAS and the Sahel States Alliance are rising, complicating regional security efforts.
Marie DuboisMon Mar 02 2026Loading...
Burkina Faso: The Forgotten Epicenter of the Sahel Crisis
JNIM attacked Burkinabè military forces in Tandjari, killing at least 50 soldiers. In retaliation, Burkinabè forces eliminated 29 presumed fighters. The situation in Burkina Faso is dire, with the country being the most affected by terrorism globally, and the regime's repression of dissent exacerbating the crisis.
Marie DuboisWed Feb 25 2026Loading...
The Sahel now accounts for half of global terrorist deaths: The UN calls for urgent coordinated action
The Sahel region has become the epicenter of global terrorism, with over half of the world's terrorism-related deaths occurring there. Between January and November 2025, 450 attacks resulted in more than 1,900 fatalities, primarily attributed to groups like JNIM and ISWAP. These groups have expanded their operations into coastal states, threatening regional stability and exacerbating a humanitarian crisis that requires urgent funding and coordinated action.
Marie DuboisMon Feb 23 2026Loading...Cross Kauwa in flames — 8 Nigerian soldiers killed in the largest ISWAP offensive since Lake Chad
ISWAP launched a coordinated attack on the military base in Cross Kauwa, Nigeria, on February 17, 2023, killing eight soldiers and wounding 23 others. The assault involved approximately 70 fighters and resulted in the destruction of eleven armored vehicles. This operation marks a significant escalation in ISWAP's activities in the region, highlighting their strategic intent to undermine Nigerian military positions.
Marie DuboisThu Feb 19 2026Loading...
