Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Washington courts the AES in 2026 — Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso negotiate between Russia and American intelligence
U.S. officials engaged with Mali's government to re-establish intelligence operations amid rising jihadist threats. The U.S. aims to strengthen ties with Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso for security and economic interests, shifting focus from democratic transitions to counter-terrorism. Recent attacks by jihadist groups underscore the urgency of U.S. involvement in the region.
Marie DuboisMon Jun 29 2026Loading...
Nigeria launches its wargaming center 2026 — Abuja wants to think faster than Boko Haram
The Nigerian Army inaugurated a wargaming center in Abuja on June 26, 2023, to enhance military planning against Boko Haram and ISWAP. This center aims to improve coordination across land, maritime, air, cyber, and informational dimensions. Despite claims of neutralizing over 13,000 terrorists, challenges remain in controlling rural areas and ensuring effective military responses. The center is expected to facilitate better strategic assessments and logistical planning for future operations.
Marie DuboisSun Jun 28 2026Loading...M23 and Rwanda before the ICJ — 632 civilians killed in eastern Congo in 2026
In 2026, the M23 and Congolese Armed Forces are engaged in an ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, resulting in 632 civilian casualties documented by the UN in North Kivu and Ituri. The DRC has accused Rwanda of supporting M23 and violating international law, prompting diplomatic actions at the International Court of Justice. Control of key routes remains critical for both military and humanitarian operations.
Marie DuboisSat Jun 27 2026Loading...Operation Dudula set for June 30 — South Africa risks its worst violence since 2008
Anti-immigration groups, including Operation Dudula, are mobilizing for potential violence against undocumented foreigners in South Africa, with June 30 set as a critical date for action. Planned attacks and lynchings are anticipated, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, as tensions rise ahead of local elections. Recent violence has already resulted in multiple casualties, prompting several African nations to repatriate their citizens.
Marie DuboisTue Jun 23 2026Loading...
JNIM controls rural Mali in 2026 — the soft tactic traps Bamako
JNIM exerts control over rural Mali through social governance, while the Malian junta attempts military reconquest. A coordinated attack on April 25 involved JNIM and Azawad separatists targeting Bamako and other cities. The junta responds with increased military pressure, but JNIM's tactics create a state of uncertainty in supply routes and daily life in Bamako. The presence of Russian forces adds complexity to the security dynamics.
Marie DuboisSat Jun 20 2026Loading...Tshisekedi forces the referendum in 2026 and weakens the front against the M23
Tshisekedi's government faces a political crisis in Kinshasa as the Senate approved a constitutional referendum that may allow him to seek a third term. The M23 has intensified its military operations in the East, supported by Rwandan troops, while over seven million Congolese remain displaced. The situation is exacerbated by rising security incidents in the region, indicating a complex interplay between political instability and military challenges.
Marie DuboisFri Jun 19 2026Loading...JNIM in Kidal in 2026 — 2 arrested journalists expose the war for control in Mali
Two Malian journalists were arrested in Bamako between June 8 and 10, 2026, for reporting on the control of Kidal by the JNIM. Their arrests highlight the ongoing struggle for information control in Mali, particularly following recent coordinated attacks by jihadist groups. Kidal remains a critical location in the conflict, symbolizing the broader challenges faced by the Malian state in asserting authority over the north.
Marie DuboisFri Jun 12 2026Loading...Mali 2026 imprisons 2 journalists — the JNIM turns Kidal into an information battle
On June 9, 2026, two journalists were arrested in Mali for reporting that the JNIM controls Kidal. This incident reflects the Malian government's efforts to suppress information regarding its military challenges. The arrests are part of a broader struggle for control over narratives in a region where JNIM's influence is growing, particularly following recent offensives.
Marie DuboisThu Jun 11 2026Loading...Mali imprisons 2 journalists in 2026 — Kidal's denial exposes Bamako to JNIM
In June 2026, the Malian government arrested journalists Abdramane Keïta and Chahana Takiou for reporting on the control of Kidal by the JNIM. These arrests highlight the government's attempt to suppress information and maintain a narrative of national unity amidst ongoing security challenges. The situation in Kidal reflects deeper issues of governance and military effectiveness in Mali.
Marie DuboisThu Jun 11 2026Loading...Mali bans 125 cc motorcycles in 2026 — Bamako attempts to disrupt the mobility of JNIM
Mali has implemented a ban on motorcycles of 125cc and above from operating outside major urban areas as of June 3, 2026, establishing 35 military zones off-limits to civilians. This decision follows significant attacks by the JNIM, aiming to disrupt their mobility and operational capabilities. The ban may exacerbate civilian isolation and raise concerns about human rights violations in the affected regions.
Marie DuboisThu Jun 04 2026Loading...
Katsina 2026 — General Rabe Abubakar and his wife kidnapped on the Matazu axis
Retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar and his wife were kidnapped by armed men on May 30, 2026, while traveling in Matazu, Katsina. The driver was shot but escaped, and the vehicle was later recovered by police. Local reports indicate that the kidnappers may be led by a local chief known as Kachalla Muhammadu, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.
Marie DuboisTue Jun 02 2026Loading...
AFRICOM warns of 10 ISIS and al-Qaeda networks in Africa after 75% withdrawal
AFRICOM warns of the increasing presence of ISIS and al-Qaeda networks in Africa, particularly following a 75% reduction in its regional military posture. General Dagvin Anderson emphasized that the epicenter of global terrorism has shifted to Africa, with at least 10 terrorist organizations now operating on the continent. The report also notes the rising use of drones by insurgents in Mali and the growing connections between various jihadist groups across the region.
Marie DuboisThu May 21 2026Loading...
Lavrov courts Equatorial Guinea in 2026 and promotes the Russian model towards the Gulf of Guinea
On May 18, 2026, Russia expressed its readiness to enhance military-technical cooperation with Equatorial Guinea during a meeting in Moscow. The Equatorial Guinean foreign minister praised Russia's involvement in the Sahel, framing it as a stabilizing force. This cooperation aims to address Equatorial Guinea's defense needs, focusing on regime protection and maritime security, while positioning Russia as a key partner in the Gulf of Guinea.
Marie DuboisTue May 19 2026Loading...Famine threatens 6 million Somalis and opens an operational breach for Al-Shabaab in 2026
In 2026, a humanitarian crisis due to famine threatens 6 million Somalis, particularly in Burhakaba, Baidoa, and Hiiraan. Al-Shabaab is exploiting the situation to enhance its operational capabilities as government forces engage in conflicts with local militias. The closure of the Kenyan border complicates trade and security, while the rising costs of essential supplies hinder humanitarian efforts.
Marie DuboisMon May 18 2026Loading...
The DRC creates a mining guard of 20,000 men and militarizes the cobalt battle
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is establishing a mining guard of 20,000 personnel to secure cobalt extraction sites and transport routes. The initial deployment of 2,500 to 3,000 recruits is expected by December 2026, with support from the United States and the UAE. This initiative aims to control the mining sector amid ongoing military risks from armed groups in the eastern DRC, where cobalt production is critical for global supply chains.
Marie DuboisMon May 18 2026Loading...
The Sahel at the Turning Point: The Coordinated Attacks of April 25, 2026 and the Strategic Reconfiguration of West Africa
On April 25, 2026, JNIM and FLA launched coordinated attacks on strategic positions in Mali, including Bamako, Kati, Gao, Kidal, Sevare, and Mopti. The fall of Kidal marked a significant setback for the Malian government, while the assassination of Defense Minister General Sadio Camara on April 26 further destabilized the regime. This offensive highlights the deep vulnerabilities of the transitional government and the evolving dynamics of militant alliances in the region.
Marie DuboisSun May 17 2026Loading...
The Sahel at the Time of Unprecedented Alliances: The Coordinated Offensives of April-May 2026 and the Security Restructuring of West Africa
A coalition of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) launched a coordinated offensive against Malian armed forces and their Russian allies from April 25 to May 7, 2026, capturing key locations including Kidal. The offensive resulted in significant casualties, including the death of Malian Defense Minister General Sadio Camara. Additionally, JNIM attacked a military post in Benin, indicating a broader regional threat.
Marie DuboisSat May 16 2026Loading...Test
The report contains vague content labeled as 'Test' without specific details on military operations or activities. The source information is also unclear, contributing to the uncertainty of the report's reliability.
Marie DuboisThu May 14 2026Loading...
Mali, Breaking Point: The April 25 Offensive Redefines the Security Map of the Sahel
On April 25, 2026, a coordinated offensive by Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and Front de Libération de l'Azawad (FLA) targeted key political and military leaders in Mali, resulting in the death of Defense Minister General Sadio Camara and significant territorial losses. The offensive represents a strategic turning point in the Sahel, with Kidal returning to rebel control and the credibility of Russian forces severely undermined.
Marie DuboisWed May 13 2026Loading...The offensive of April 25, 2026 in Mali: a turning point for the Alliance of Sahel States and regional security
On April 25, 2026, coordinated attacks by armed groups targeted Bamako, Gao, Kidal, and Ménaka, resulting in the death of Malian Defense Minister Sadio Camara. In response, the Alliance of Sahel States initiated air campaigns against insurgent positions on May 1, marking a significant military operation. The region is experiencing escalating violence, with over 2,600 conflict-related deaths reported in early 2026.
Marie DuboisTue May 12 2026Loading...
