Africa Conflict-Diplomacy Daily Brief - 25 February, 2026

Executive Assessment 

Insurgent activity remains active across the Sahel, with JNIM sustaining attacks in Mali and Burkina Faso, while Niger reports continued counterterrorism operations. Somalia maintains operational pressure on Al-Shabaab through coordinated raids. 

In the DRC, the killing of an AFC/M23 spokesperson has triggered renewed clashes and FARDC offensives, increasing escalation risks. In Nigeria, renewed genocide allegations in a US report may heighten diplomatic pressure despite official denials. 

MALI 

• JNIM claimed that it targeted an army vehicle with an IED in Aourou, Kayes region, Mali, stating that the attack was carried out by its militants. 

NIGER 

• The Nigerien Army announced that, across Niger, military operations conducted between 16–22 February 2026 resulted in 17 terrorists being neutralized and 33 others arrested. 

BURKINA FASO 

• JNIM claimed that it carried out an attack on a military position in Mantou, Burkina Faso, killing one soldier, destroying two military vehicles, and seizing one military vehicle along with rifles and ammunition. 

• JNIM claimed that it attacked a military post on the outskirts of Kantchari, Burkina Faso, killing nine soldiers and seizing rifles and ammunition. 

SOMALIA 

• The Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency announced that, in coordination with international partners, at least 23 Al-Shabaab militants were killed in four separate operations conducted in the Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan regions of Somalia. 

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO 

• Fighting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which had decreased in intensity but not ceased, resumed following the killing of AFC/M23 military spokesperson Willy Ngoma in a FARDC drone strike on 24 February. 

• Following the incident, the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), supported by local Wazalendo militias, launched a large-scale military offensive against AFC/M23 positions in Masisi and Walikale, employing drones and heavy artillery. 

• In Masisi, government forces and allied militias conducted coordinated operations and captured several strategic areas, while AFC/M23 launched counterattacks. 

• In Walikale, AFC/M23 attacks were repelled by government forces, resulting in a fragile calm on the ground; however, reports indicate that the rebels are reinforcing the area with additional military deployments. 

• AFC/M23 leadership accused the Kinshasa government of deliberately violating the ceasefire, opting for a military solution over diplomacy, and criticized the international community for remaining silent regarding FARDC operations. 

NIGERIA 

• A US Congressional report reiterated allegations of genocide against Christians in Nigeria, describing the country as “the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian” and calling for comprehensive sanctions against individuals and entities perceived as responsible for or contributing to terrorist activities. 

• The Government of Nigeria stated that it does not maintain any official policy permitting religious violence or targeted attacks against any religious group within the country.