Photo : Anadolu/ECFR
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Anadolu/ECFR
SUDAN
Drone war intensifies in Sudan’s Kordofan region
On 30 March, Africa News reported that three years into Sudan’s conflict, Kordofan has emerged as the most intense battleground between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with civilians increasingly trapped in a deadly drone war. Residents in South Kordofan’s Dilling described a constant drone presence, with near-daily strikes hitting markets, homes and hospitals, often killing dozens. The United Nations said over 500 civilians were killed in drone attacks between January and mid-March alone, underscoring the growing use of relatively cheap but advanced weapons in populated areas. In North Kordofan’s capital, El-Obeid, locals reported being able to distinguish between smaller “suicide drones” and larger long-range models. Amnesty International noted that both sides are using foreign-supplied drones. Aid groups warned that the strikes are disrupting food supplies, worsening inflation and deepening famine risks as civilians adapt to life under constant threat. (“Drone warfare intensifies in Sudan’s Kordofan,” Africa News, 30 March 2026)
MALI
Mali denies releasing jihadists in fuel truce deal
On 31 March, Africa News reported that Mali’s army denied claims it had released around 200 suspected jihadists to secure a halt to attacks on fuel convoys disrupting the country’s economy. Security and local sources had earlier suggested that more than 100, and later around 200, detainees were freed as part of a truce expected to last until the Muslim festival of Tabaski in late May. However, military spokesperson Souleymane Dembele dismissed the reports as “pure manipulation,” accusing media outlets of attempting to damage Mali’s image and erode public trust in state institutions. Since September, fighters linked to the al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM group have targeted fuel shipments, causing severe shortages and economic disruption, particularly in the capital, Bamako. Although the arrival of convoys recently eased the situation, the broader security crisis - ongoing since 2012 - continues to be driven by extremist groups, criminal networks and regional instability. (“Malian army denies releasing jihadists to end fuel convoy attacks,” Africa News, 31 March 2026)
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa deploys forces to tackle crime surge
On 31 March, Africa News reported that around 500 military and police personnel paraded in Cape Town ahead of a year-long deployment targeting gangs, illegal mining and organised crime across the Western Cape and other high-risk areas. The operation, set to begin in April, will extend to five of South Africa’s nine provinces, focusing on communities grappling with persistent violence. Speaking at the event, MP Dereleen James pledged to restore peace and unity, vowing to tackle drugs and gang activity while ensuring children return to school. Deputy National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili said the initiative would rely on intelligence-led operations to dismantle illicit mining networks and disrupt organised crime. The deployment comes as South Africa continues to face one of the world’s highest crime rates outside conflict zones, with about 60 homicides reported daily, raising hopes that joint security efforts will improve safety in vulnerable communities. (“South Africa launches major security operation to tackle crime and gang violence,” Africa News, 31 March 2026)
SOMALIA
Somalia forces seize Baidoa as regional leader resigns
On 31 March, Al Jazeera reported that Somalia’s national army took control of Baidoa, the largest city in Southwest state, prompting regional president Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen to resign amid escalating tensions with the federal government. The takeover followed a dispute over his recent re-election, which Mogadishu declared illegal, and marked the start of a political transition in the strategic city hosting peacekeepers and aid agencies. Local sources described Baidoa as calm but largely deserted, with many residents fleeing and humanitarian operations suspended over fears of clashes. Finance minister Ahmed Mohamed Hussein was appointed acting president as federal authorities urged calm and unity, pledging to prevent retaliation. The crisis highlights deepening divisions within Somalia’s fragile federal system, particularly over constitutional reforms and electoral processes, as the country prepares for a contentious national election later this year. (“Somali army takes over key city in Southwest as state leader resigns,” Al Jazeera, 31 March 2026)
NIGERIA
Curfew imposed in Nigeria’s Jos after deadly attack
On 31 March, BBC reported that a 48-hour curfew was imposed in parts of the central Nigerian city of Jos following a gun attack on an open-air bar that triggered deadly reprisals. Police confirmed that at least 26 people were killed, though the exact toll from the initial attack and subsequent retaliation remains unclear. Plateau state governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the violence as “barbaric and unprovoked” and ordered security forces to pursue those responsible. Local leaders warned the death toll could be higher, with many injured receiving treatment in hospitals. Residents said threats had circulated on social media before the attack, while witnesses reported gunmen wearing uniforms resembling those of security forces. Authorities deployed troops to restore order as residents were ordered indoors. The incident highlights ongoing insecurity in central Nigeria, where longstanding communal tensions and overlapping security challenges continue to fuel periodic outbreaks of violence. (“48-hour curfew imposed after attack on bar in Nigerian city,” BBC, 31 March 2026)
SOUTH SUDAN
Dozens of miners killed in South Sudan attack
On 31 March, BBC reported that at least 74 mine workers were killed by gunmen in South Sudan’s Central Equatoria state, with government and opposition figures trading blame over the attack. The violence took place in the mineral-rich area of Jebel Iraq, which is under army control. Officials linked to the opposition SPLM-IO accused government forces of carrying out the killings, while state authorities alleged that rebel groups were responsible. Acting governor Paulino Lukudu Obede condemned the incident as a “brutal and barbaric killing” of civilians, while Deputy Information Minister David Yau Yau also pointed to opposition involvement. No group has claimed responsibility. Calls have been made for an independent investigation, including by allies of First Vice-President Riek Machar. The attack highlights ongoing instability in South Sudan, where competing armed groups and disputes over resource-rich areas continue to fuel violence and insecurity. (“More than 70 miners killed in South Sudan as government and opposition trade blame,” BBC, 31 March 2026)
SUDAN
Report warns sexual violence pervasive in Sudan conflict
On 31 March, BBC reported that sexual violence remains widespread in parts of Sudan despite shifting front lines in the country’s ongoing civil war, according to a report by medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Based on testimonies from more than 3,300 survivors treated between 2024 and 2025 in Darfur, the report describes such abuse as a “defining feature” of the conflict, often carried out by armed groups. While both the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been accused, most perpetrators identified by survivors were linked to RSF fighters. MSF said attacks frequently occurred as civilians fled violence or carried out daily activities, with many victims facing repeated assaults and intimidation. The report also highlighted an ethnic dimension, with certain communities disproportionately targeted. Aid agencies warn that the scale of abuse is likely underreported due to stigma and limited access to care, urging stronger protection measures and accountability. (“Sexual violence part of 'everyday life' in parts of Sudan, charity says,” BBC, 31 March 2026)