Africa Conflict-Diplomacy Daily Brief - 23 March, 2026

Executive Summary

Security activity across West and East Africa remains elevated, with governments combining external security partnerships and military operations to contain persistent militant threats, while insurgent groups continue to demonstrate tactical reach through localized attacks and territorial claims. In Nigeria and Benin, international security coordination with the United States, France, and regional partners points to a continued emphasis on intelligence support, force training, and cross-border counterterrorism cooperation. In Mali and Burkina Faso, state forces reported offensive gains, but JNIM claims across multiple locations indicate sustained insurgent operational pressure against military and auxiliary positions. In Somalia, security developments are increasingly intertwined with internal political fragmentation, as the dispute between the federal government and South West State is now unfolding alongside counterterrorism concerns. In eastern DRC, continued clashes involving AFC/M23 and Wazalendo, together with persistent high levels of documented violence, indicate that conflict conditions remain active despite a lower monthly incident count. In Niger, the renewed institutional engagement with Algeria highlights parallel efforts to reinforce security, economic, and energy coordination at the interstate level.