Africa Conflict-Diplomacy Daily Brief - 17 February, 2026

Executive Assessment

Somalia advanced external defense and diplomatic engagement through high-level contacts with China and Qatar while overseeing stabilization efforts in Al-Shabaab–recovered areas. In the Sahel, JNIM intensified operations across Mali and Burkina Faso, targeting military positions and irregular forces, while Malian forces reported counterterrorism gains in Nampala.

In his meeting with Tiani, Algerian President Tebbounes directly blamed M23 and Rwanda for post-agreement developments as AFC-M23 moved to institutionalize parallel governance structures in North Kivu. Algeria and Niger reaffirmed strategic security alignment, signaling deepened counterterrorism cooperation amid regional tensions involving France.

SOMALIA

• SomaliaTiani, Algerian President Tebbounemet the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Mogadishu to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation and supporting the Somali National Army’s counterterrorism capabilities. The two sides also emphasized the importance of Somalia’s stability for overall security in the Horn of Africa.

• Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held a strategic phone call with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to discuss strengthening bilateral relations. Mohamud thanked Qatar for its support for Somalia’s sovereignty, infrastructure development, and state-building efforts.

• Defence Minister Ahmed Fiqi, Interior Minister Ali Yusuf, and the Commander of the Somali National Army visited Sabiid and Caanoole in Lower Shabelle to oversee the resettlement of displaced families and deliver new housing and aid in areas recovered from Al-Shabaab. Turkish officials also took part in the visit.

MALI

• The Malian Army announced that several terrorists were neutralized and weapons and equipment were seized during operations in the villages of Toulé and Akoub in Nampala.

• JNIM claimed it clashed with the Malian army between Markala and Siribala and seized a military vehicle, rifles, and equipment during an attack on a gendarmerie post in Kalana (Furthermore, local sources claim that after burning down the police station, militants also attacked the SOMIKA mining site located in the town. Footage shared by local media appears to show dozens of dead soldiers in a trench.). Also claimed that four Dozo militiamen were killed and weapons and ammunition were seized during an attack on a Dozo headquarters in Bandiougou.

BURKINA FASO

• JNIM claimed it seized control of a military position in Barga,

• Also claimed that 50 soldiers were killed and weapons and ammunition were seized during a 15 February attack on a military barracks in Tandjari.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

• U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos stated that M23 and Rwanda were responsible for developments following the Washington Agreements and said that Uvira had been captured by M23.

• AFC-M23 North Kivu Governor Bahati Musanga Erasto announced from Kitshanga that efforts had begun to establish a new mobile network independent of Kinshasa. The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo cut connectivity across the eastern region. Meanwhile, the AFC/M23 is attempting to establish its authority in all aspects within the areas it controls.

NIGER

• During his visit to Algeria, Nigerien President Tiani stated that the trip was aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership with Algeria across various sectors, including security. He remarked, 'No Algerian, no African, could understand why Algeria would allow its territory to be used to attack another African nation especially by a power that inflicted indescribable suffering on the brave Algerian people for over a century [referring to France].'

In his meeting with Tiani, Algerian President Tebboune declared: 'We stand on the same side [as Niger] in the fight against terrorism, and we will cooperate using all means at our disposal.'