Africa Conflict-Diplomacy Daily Brief - 3 March, 2026

Executive Assessment

Nigeria is expanding cross-border security coordination with Benin while sustaining air operations against ISWAP; however, ongoing attacks in Borno and Yobe demonstrate the group’s continued operational capability.

In Burkina Faso, JNIM’s claimed territorial advances and mass assaults indicate persistent insurgent pressure despite army counter-operations.

In eastern DRC, renewed clashes and U.S. sanctions on Rwanda over alleged M23 support reflect escalating regional and diplomatic tensions.

Somalia faces simultaneous security incidents and deepening drought-driven humanitarian stress.

BENIN

• Senior military officials from Benin and Nigeria met in Cotonou on 27 February to formalize bilateral security cooperation against terrorist groups operating along their shared border; France attended the meeting as an invited supporter of the initiative.

NIGERIA

• Senior military officials from Nigeria and Benin convened in Cotonou on 27 February to formalize security cooperation against terrorist threats along their common border; France participated in support of the initiative.

• The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) announced that precision airstrikes conducted on 28 February in the Yuwe general area of the Sambisa Forest, under Operation Hadin Kai, destroyed key terrorist infrastructure and neutralized several high-value militants; the statement was delivered in Abuja by NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

• ISWAP claimed responsibility for an attack on a military position in Mayanti, Borno State, Nigeria, stating that a Forward Operating Base (FOB) commander (a Major), three soldiers, and a hunter were killed.

• ISWAP claimed attacks on Nigerian Army camps in Gajiram and Mayinti, Borno State, alleging the killing of Major U.I. Mairiga and two other soldiers, the destruction of nine vehicles including several armored platforms, and the seizure of weapons and motorcycles.

• ISWAP launched an attack targeting a military camp and the town of Geidam in Yobe State, Nigeria; local sources reported that the group set fire to a market, CJTF patrol vehicles, and a civilian vehicle, while security forces reportedly repelled the assault.

BURKINA FASO

• JNIM claimed to have taken control of VDP positions between Tikare and Rambo, as well as in Goubi and Boussouma, Burkina Faso.

• Burkina Faso’s national television reported that JNIM carried out attacks several days ago in Tongomayel and Belehede in Soum Province, with a large number of militants participating in simultaneous assaults; the army was shown repelling the attacks through coordinated air and ground counter-offensives, while an army drone provided support during clashes in Bargo village, Bam Province, striking several JNIM militants.

SOMALIA

• An explosive device planted on the vehicle of an intelligence officer detonated in the Bullo Hubey neighborhood of Mogadishu, Somalia; the officer survived and injuries were reported.

• Local authorities and residents in Mudug region, Somalia, warned of an escalating humanitarian crisis caused by a severe national drought and called for urgent assistance to protect vulnerable families.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

• Several villages in Masisi territory, North Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, returned to AFC/M23 control following intense clashes with the Congolese army and Wazalendo fighters.

• On 2 March 2026, the United States, through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), imposed sanctions on the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and four senior officers for providing direct operational support to M23 in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

• The United States stated that M23, which is sanctioned by both the United States and the United Nations, is responsible for serious human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and violence against civilians, and reaffirmed its support for peace and stability in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the wider Great Lakes region.

• Congolese army forces and Wazalendo fighters repelled attacks carried out by AFC/M23 in Walikale territory, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

• In Minembwe and Mikenge, South Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, FARDC—supported by the Burundian army and Wazalendo militias—conducted attacks with artillery and drone support; local sources reported intense fighting since the morning hours.

NIGER

• On 26 February 2026, Niger and the United States signed a USD 178 million strategic cooperation agreement aimed at financing Niger’s health system.