Africa Conflict-Diplomacy Daily Brief - 19 February, 2026

Executive Assessment 

The Sahel region faces escalating volatility as JNIM maintains a high operational tempo against state and local forces in Mali and Burkina Faso, while groups like the FLA introduce new asymmetric tactics such as suicide drones. Concurrently, the mass-casualty attack by the emerging Lakurawa group in Nigeria signals a diversifying militant threat in West Africa, even as neighboring Niger stabilizes economically with renewed IMF funding. Meanwhile, the DRC's calculated decision to offer the rebel-controlled Rubaya mine to the US highlights an attempt to leverage Western critical mineral interests into stronger diplomatic or security support against M23.

SOMALIA 

The Commander of the Somali National Army (SNA), Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud, met with AUSSOM Head Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene and Force Commander General Sam Kavuma in Mogadishu. They discussed strengthening military cooperation, implementing the Security Transition Plan, and accelerating joint operations against Al-Shabaab (Khawaarij). 

MALI 

A convoy consisting of Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) and Africa Corps personnel was reported to be advancing along the Aguelhok-Anefis axis. 

The FLA claimed to have carried out suicide drone attacks on the FAMa-Africa Corps convoy, resulting in casualties and material damage. However, it was reported that a technical failure during the attack caused a premature explosion, killing Mohamed Ag Intalla son of one of the FLA leader Al-Ghabass Ag Intalla along with two others. 

JNIM  targeted the convoy with a landmine and report that killed five pro-government Tuaregs in the area. 

JNIM claimed to have: 

Captured five motorcycles following a clash with the army between Markala and Siribala on February 16. 

Attacked the Dozo militia headquarters in Sikasso, killing one militiaman and seizing a motorcycle and ammunition. 

Taken control of a military outpost in Djenne. 

Conducted an IED attack on an army-Africa Corps patrol between Siribala and Markala. 

NIGERIA 

Suspected Lakurawa terrorists reportedly carried out coordinated attacks on communities in the Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing at least 34 people. 

NIGER 

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed its program reviews for Niger and approved approximately $91 million in financing. 

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO (DRC) 

According to a Reuters report citing a government document, the DRC has added the rebel-controlled Rubaya coltan mine—one of the world's richest tantalum deposits—to a list of strategic assets offered under a mining cooperation framework with the United States. A senior Congolese official and a US diplomat confirmed that Rubaya was included in the shortlist presented during a DRC-US meeting in Washington on February 5, aimed at advancing the strategic minerals partnership agreed upon in December. 

BURKINA FASO 

JNIM claimed to have: 

Taken control of a military outpost in Malou. 

Attacked a VDP (Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland) post in Riou, killing nine VDP members and seizing motorcycles and ammunition. 

Attacked a VDP post in Pensa, killing one VDP member and seizing a motorcycle and ammunition.