Africa Conflict-Diplomacy Daily Brief - 28 February, 2026

Executive Assessment

Security dynamics across the Sahel and the Great Lakes region remain volatile, with sustained insurgent activity and intensified counter-operations. In eastern DRC, continued clashes between AFC/M23 and government forces backed by Wazalendo militias, alongside drone strikes by the Congolese Army, indicate an escalation in kinetic engagements. In Niger, ISIS-Sahel’s claimed attack in Tillabéri underscores the group’s ongoing operational reach in the tri-border zone. Somalia maintains pressure on Al-Shabaab through continued military operations, while domestic resilience is being tested by severe drought conditions. The U.S. decision to delist three senior Malian officials from OFAC sanctions may signal a calibrated adjustment in its approach toward Mali amid a shifting regional security landscape.

NIGER

• ISIS-Sahel (ISSP) claimed responsibility for an attack carried out two days ago against pro-government militias in Doukou, Tillabéri Region, Niger, and alleged that at least 14 people were killed in Anzourou, north of Tillabéri.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

• The Congolese Army conducted a drone strike targeting an AFC/M23 position in Masisi territory, North Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

• New clashes erupted in Masisi territory, North Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, between AFC/M23 and army forces supported by Wazalendo militias.

• Heavy fighting was reported in Walikale territory, North Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, between AFC/M23 and army forces backed by Wazalendo militias.

BENIN

• According to local sources, armed assailants carried out an attack at the Wara border post and the customs checkpoint in Segbana, Nigeria, setting a truck and several motorcycles on fire and causing significant material damage.

SOMALIA

• The Somali National Army conducted operations against Al-Shabaab in the eastern Hiiraan region of Somalia.

• The President of Somalia issued an urgent national appeal, calling for unified domestic action to support millions affected by severe drought in Somalia and urging citizens to strengthen mutual assistance efforts during Ramadan.

MALI

• The U.S. Department of the Treasury removed three senior Malian officials from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions list in the United States.