Africa Conflict-Diplomacy Daily Brief - 24 February, 2026

Executive Assessment

JNIM and ISWAP maintain operational tempo across the Sahel and Nigeria, demonstrating continued capacity to overrun positions and target senior military figures. Mali’s airstrike-led approach reflects sustained counterterrorism pressure, while insurgent activity persists regionally.

In the DRC, the reported killing of an M23 senior figure coincides with preparations for ceasefire monitoring, indicating parallel military and diplomatic tracks. In Somalia, political deadlock continues as security operations against Al-Shabaab remain ongoing.

BURKINA FASO

• JNIM carried out an attack on army positions in Zambende, near the Togo border in Burkina Faso; according to local sources, one soldier was wounded and two civilians were killed in the clashes, Togo’s Air Force provided air support, and troops seized motorcycles and equipment.

• JNIM launched an attack on a military base in Mane, Burkina Faso; videos from local sources show that a large number of militants participated in the assault, the base was overrun, and multiple structures were set on fire.

NIGERIA

• Following the ambush on Brigadier General Musa Uba’s convoy in November 2025, the ambush targeting Major General Bemgha Koughna’s convoy in Kebbi is also claimed to have been carried out by ISWAP (initial reports had pointed to Lakurawa). This ambush may show a new development regarding links between Lakurawa and ISWAP.

MALI

• The Malian Army announced that two terrorist groups were neutralized in two airstrikes conducted in Zantiebougou, Bougouni region of Mali, and that one vehicle and equipment were seized.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

• According to a Reuters report citing senior M23 officials, AFC/M23 military spokesperson Willy Ngoma was killed in a drone strike carried out by the Congolese Army near Rubaya in North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Beyond serving as a spokesperson, Willy Ngoma was historically a significant figure within M23. This loss is likely to intensify ongoing clashes despite ceasefire commitments.

• MONUSCO and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (IRGLR) announced the deployment of a joint reconnaissance and preliminary assessment mission in Uvira, South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, from 23–27 February 2026, stating that the mission constitutes an important preparatory step for the future deployment of a joint ceasefire monitoring mechanism.

SOMALIA

• The United Nations expressed regret over the failure of talks in Mogadishu between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and opposition leaders to reach an agreement, calling on both sides to continue dialogue in good faith and pledging support for a viable compromise.

• The Somali Army conducted planned security operations in the Raage Ceelle area of Middle Shabelle, Somalia, stating that the operation is part of the national campaign against Al-Shabaab aimed at clearing the area of militants and protecting civilians.