Analysis & Reports

On April 25, 2026, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and Front de libération de l'Azawad (FLA) launched coordinated attacks on military installations across Mali, from Bamako to Gao, Kidal, Sévaré, Kati, and Bourem. This unprecedented offensive marks a shift towards conventional warfare by non-state actors. The Sahel region has seen a significant rise in violence, with over 9,800 deaths attributed to militant groups in 2025.

Marie DuboisFri May 01 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...

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...

African Lion 2026 will occur from April 20 to May 9, 2026, in Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, and Senegal, testing 43 advanced military systems. Concurrently, AFRIDEX will take place in Lagos from October 26 to 29, 2026, aiming to enhance Africa's defense industrial capabilities. Both events reflect a significant shift towards integrating advanced technologies in military operations and fostering local defense production.

Marie DuboisSat Apr 04 2026Loading...

The Unified Force of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) was launched in December 2025 in Niamey with 6,000 troops to combat jihadist threats in the Sahel. This initiative aims to overcome past failures of similar forces by mobilizing internal resources. However, the security situation remains dire, highlighted by an ISIS attack on Niamey's airport and ongoing challenges from Al-Qaeda-affiliated groups. ECOWAS has also activated a standby force to address the escalating threats in West Africa.

Marie DuboisMon Mar 30 2026Loading...

ECOWAS activated a counter-terrorism brigade of 1,650 soldiers in February 2026 to address the escalating security crisis in the Sahel. ISIS conducted a significant attack on the international airbase in Niamey on January 28-29, 2026, claiming multiple soldier casualties. In Mali, GSIM has implemented a blockade of fuel supplies to Bamako since September 2025, further complicating the security situation. Additionally, around 2,000 Russian fighters are deployed in the region, while jihadist groups are increasingly utilizing drones in their operations.

Marie DuboisMon Mar 30 2026Loading...

In February 2026, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) launched a large-scale coordinated attack across Burkina Faso, resulting in significant casualties, including 80 soldiers in Titao. The Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) attacked the international airport in Niamey, demonstrating vulnerabilities in key security infrastructure. The ongoing crisis has led to a blockade of fuel supplies to Bamako, severely impacting the economy and security perception in the region.

Marie DuboisMon Mar 30 2026Loading...

In February 2026, the ECOWAS Standby Force is set to deploy 2,000 soldiers to address escalating jihadist threats in the Sahel, particularly in Mali and Niger. The U.S. is negotiating an intelligence-sharing agreement with Mali while jihadist groups are employing modified drones for precision strikes. The security situation worsens as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have formed the Sahel States Alliance, complicating regional security efforts.

Marie DuboisMon Mar 30 2026Loading...

The Unified Force of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising 6,000 soldiers, was established in December 2025 in Niamey, Niger, to combat escalating violence in the Sahel. The region has seen a dramatic increase in security incidents, with over 9,000 deaths reported in 2025. JNIM and ISSP have intensified their operations, including a notable attack on Niamey's airport. The AES aims for operational autonomy and has diversified its military partnerships, moving away from reliance on France.

Marie DuboisThu Mar 26 2026Loading...

JNIM controls 60% of Burkina Faso as the AES struggles to counter terrorism. In January 2026, a coordinated attack targeted the Dori Hamani airport and base 101 in Niger, highlighting vulnerabilities in military infrastructure. The AES's joint force of 5,000 soldiers remains largely ineffective, while JNIM's operational sophistication increases, threatening regional stability.

Marie DuboisWed Mar 25 2026Loading...

In 2026, jihadist groups intensified operations across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, leading to significant casualties and a deteriorating security situation. The Tillabéri region in Niger became the deadliest area, with over 50 civilian deaths from major attacks. The GSIM executed coordinated assaults in Burkina Faso, showcasing their operational capabilities. Counter-insurgency efforts by state forces have been marked by severe human rights violations.

Marie DuboisTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

Terrorist groups, including JNIM and ISSP, have escalated their operations in the Sahel, utilizing forests as strategic bases for attacks and illegal activities. In 2025, over 9,362 people were killed in security incidents across Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The U.S. has deployed drones to Nigeria to assist in counter-terrorism efforts, while the region faces increasing violence and humanitarian crises due to armed groups blocking aid and targeting civilians.

Marie DuboisTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

Jama'at al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) conducted coordinated attacks across Burkina Faso in February 2026, demonstrating significant operational capability. The Islamic State in the Sahel Province (ISSP) targeted military infrastructure in Niger in January 2026. In response, ECOWAS announced plans to form a 2,000-soldier counter-terrorism force by the end of 2026. Concurrently, the U.S. deployed MQ-9 Reaper drones and 200 troops to Nigeria, marking a strategic repositioning in the region.

Marie DuboisMon Mar 23 2026Loading...

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is operationalizing a unified force of 6,000 troops to combat jihadist threats in the Sahel, following a critical meeting in Ouagadougou on February 26, 2026. Concurrently, ECOWAS announced the activation of its standby force to deploy 2,000 soldiers by the end of 2026. The security situation continues to deteriorate, with increased attacks by groups like Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Islamic State's Sahel Province (ISSP), leading to significant civilian casualties and a fragmented security landscape.

Marie DuboisWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

Malian, Burkinabè, and Nigerien forces conducted coordinated military operations from February 21 to March 9, 2026, eliminating over 100 terrorists. The Malian Armed Forces executed a surgical airstrike in Yanfolila, while the Burkinabè army launched a counter-offensive in Northern Sahel. Nigerien forces successfully repelled an attack on the Tahua airport. These actions reflect an intensified commitment to counter-terrorism amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Sahel.

Marie DuboisThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

ECOWAS activated a regional force of 2,000 soldiers in March 2026 to address escalating terrorist threats in the Sahel. The main terrorist groups, JNIM and ISSP, continue to conduct sophisticated attacks, including a drone assault on Niamey's airport. JNIM has imposed a blockade on fuel convoys in Mali, while the AES has launched a unified force of 6,000 men to combat the crisis. The situation remains critical as these groups threaten regional stability.

Marie DuboisMon Mar 09 2026Loading...

The Joint Force of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) conducted military operations against jihadist groups in the Sahel region in March 2026, eliminating over 100 militants. Burkinabè forces launched an offensive around Djibo, while the AES coordinated efforts to counter the transnational threat. The report highlights the increasing use of armed drones by jihadist groups and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.

Marie DuboisSat Mar 07 2026Loading...

Thirty fighters from the Islamic State launched a coordinated assault on the Diori Hamani International Airport and Base 101 in Niamey on January 28-29, 2026, resulting in the destruction of five military aircraft. This attack highlights the escalating terrorist activities in the Sahel, with JNIM increasing operations in Burkina Faso. In response, the Alliance of Sahel States has initiated a unified force of 6000 soldiers, while ECOWAS plans to deploy an additional 2000 soldiers by the end of 2026.

Marie DuboisFri Mar 06 2026Loading...

JNIM launched a series of coordinated attacks across Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from February to March 2026, resulting in over 130 deaths. The group demonstrated enhanced operational capabilities, executing attacks on military and civilian targets, including a notable assault on military infrastructure in Niger. Concurrently, ISIS increased its activities in Tillabéri, leading to significant casualties among local militias.

Marie DuboisThu Mar 05 2026Loading...