Africa Conflict-Diplomacy Daily Brief - 1 April, 2026

Executive Summary

The reporting indicates a continued high tempo of insurgent activity across the Sahel, particularly in Burkina Faso and Niger, where both JNIM and ISSP remain operationally active and capable of conducting coordinated attacks, territorial incursions, and inter-group clashes. Civilian targeting and livestock looting in Niger highlight persistent security vacuums and limited state control in rural areas. In Somalia, federal forces appear to be consolidating gains in South West State, with coordinated military operations, leadership visits, and stabilization efforts suggesting a deliberate post-offensive governance phase. Continued U.S. (AFRICOM) involvement and NISA operations indicate sustained external support and pressure on Al-Shabaab networks. Nigeria’s arrests and security sweeps point to ongoing counterterrorism pressure on ISWAP/Boko Haram elements, though the need for reconnaissance disruption underscores persistent threat mobility. In eastern DRC, recurring clashes between AFC/M23 and Wazalendo signal a stable but unresolved front line, with limited territorial shifts but continued volatility. Overall, the operational environment remains fragmented, with state forces achieving localized tactical gains but failing to establish durable security control across contested regions.