By: Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
Key themes:
- Military High-Tempo: Details on the Tomahawk strikes in Nigeria and precision hits in Somalia’s Golis Mountains.
- Tactical Coordination: Intelligence sharing between Washington, Abuja, and Mogadishu.
- The Diplomatic Paradox: Contrasting military support with the expanded 2026 travel ban on 39 countries.
The United States military expanded its kinetic operations across the African continent at the start of the year. U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed precision airstrikes hit Islamic State and al-Shabaab positions in Somalia between January 1 and January 4. These missions targeted the Calmiskaad and Golis Mountains, as well as the vicinity of Jilib, approximately 100 km north of Kismayo.
US officials reported that the latest attacks inflicted “significant losses” on the group. This surge comes as the Somali Federal Government ramps up its own domestic offensive against al-Shabaab in central and southern Somalia, bolstered by technical and military support from international partners. In an official statement detailing the mission’s intent, a spokesperson for the U.S. Africa Command emphasized the strategic goal of the campaign, saying, “AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten the U.S. Homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad.”
Coordinated Blows Against Extremist Networks
Both the Nigerian and Somali governments played active roles in the recent strikes. In Somalia, the federal government worked directly with AFRICOM to identify high-value targets in the Bari region. Similarly, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the Christmas Day strikes in Sokoto resulted from “structured security cooperation.” This coordination included deep intelligence sharing and strategic planning between Abuja and Washington. Nigerian authorities noted that the joint operation led to precision hits on two Islamic State-Sahel (ISSP) camps —a distinct ISIS branch that has recently expanded into northwestern Nigeria. Analysts believe the Sokoto strikes specifically targeted Lakurawa, a resurgent jihadi-criminal group that recently pledged allegiance to the Islamic State-Sahel (ISSP). While Lakurawa is a newer player in the Northwest, its rise signals a dangerous expansion beyond the traditional strongholds of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which remains the most dominant and lethal ISIS affiliate globally, centered in the Lake Chad region.
Rapid Succession of Military Intervention
The timing of these operations signals a high-tempo military strategy under the Trump administration. Since returning to office in 2025, the administration has authorized more than 100 airstrikes in Somalia alone. Only ten days separated the Tomahawk missile strikes in Nigeria from the New Year campaign in Somalia. This rapid sequence indicates a shift toward simultaneous multi-front engagements. Military analysts suggest that the U.S. is testing the responsiveness of extremist groups across the continent. By striking West and East Africa in short order, Washington is forcing insurgents to divide their focus.
Somalia Leads at the UN Security Council
Somalia is currently leveraging its new diplomatic weight on the global stage. In January 2026, the nation assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council. This historic role comes as Mogadishu manages both an internal war and a global diplomatic agenda. Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman, Somalia’s Permanent Representative, noted that this is the first time in 54 years the nation has held this position, symbolizing a “significant milestone” in its recovery. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is scheduled to chair a high-level signature debate on the international rule of law on January 26, 2026—a position that allows Somalia to advocate for global stability while battling terrorism at home.
The Trump Administration Stance on Terrorism
The White House continues to prioritize a “maximum pressure” doctrine against African insurgents. President Trump argues that military force is the most effective tool against radicalization. His administration has empowered commanders to authorize strikes with minimal bureaucratic delay. This perspective focuses on immediate tactical victories rather than long-term civil development. Trump frequently links African security to the integrity of U.S. borders. The administration aims to neutralize threats at their source to prevent potential domestic attacks.
US Relations With Somalia, Nigeria and the Travel Ban
Relations between Washington and its primary African security partners are currently marked by a stark paradox. While the U.S. military provides essential air support to combat extremists, the White House has simultaneously restricted citizens from those same nations from entering the U.S. On Jan. 1, 2026, the administration expanded the travel ban to 39 countries. Somalia remains under a “full entry restriction,” suspending all immigrant and non-immigrant visas. In contrast, Nigeria is among 20 countries under “partial entry restrictions,” which specifically target visitors and students on B-1, B-2, F, M, and J visas. President Trump has justified these measures as a necessary shield, arguing the U.S. must “neutralize threats at their source before they can reach U.S. borders.” These measures, along with new trade tariffs, have hindered regional commercial growth and left exchange rates in Mogadishu and Abuja volatile.
Congressional Reaction and the Domestic Debate
The Trump administration’s policies have sparked intense debate on Capitol Hill. Representative Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota and the first Somali-American elected to Congress, has emerged as a fierce critic of the dual-track approach. She argues that the administration’s rhetoric fuels xenophobia and fails to address the root causes of extremism. In a formal response to the president’s recent comments, Rep. Omar stated, “The president is doing what he does best: deflecting. He is attacking the Somali-American community to hide the fact that he has failed to deliver on nearly all of his promises. His obsession is creepy and fuels a climate of political violence.”
Regional Stabilization: The Roles of the AU and ECOWAS
As the U.S. shifts toward an “airpower-first” model, African regional bodies are stepping up to provide boots on the ground. In East Africa, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) officially replaced the previous transition mission on January 1. Its mandate, extended through December 2026, aims to stabilize territory after U.S. strikes. Further south, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)—now operating as the Islamic State Central Africa Province—continues to orchestrate massacres in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, complicating regional efforts to maintain a unified front against extremism.
Meanwhile, in West Africa, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is operationalizing its new Standby Intervention Force (ESIF). Headquartered in Abuja, this 5,000-strong unit is designed for rapid response to both coups and terrorist surges. The effectiveness of this doctrine was notably tested on December 7, 2025, when regional forces were deployed to Benin to preserve constitutional order following an attempted military takeover. Highlighting this desire for autonomy, the Somali Presidency stated, “Somalia values its enduring relationship with the U.S… while safeguarding our sovereignty and national unity.”
Geopolitical Volatility in the North and South
The security crisis in early 2026 is no longer limited to the central belt of the continent. In the North, Libya remains a volatile “black hole” of governance. Rival administrations in Tripoli and Benghazi continue to operate in parallel, allowing extremist cells to exploit the ongoing political fragmentation. While large-scale warfare has paused, the presence of foreign mercenaries and the lack of unified border control make the Maghreb a persistent launchpad for regional instability.
In Southern Africa, the insurgency in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province remains a focal point for the SADC region. Despite successful joint operations by Rwandan and Mozambican forces, Islamic State-Mozambique (ISM) has transitioned to a resilient guerrilla campaign. Strategic analysts warn that the group is now focusing on radicalizing local populations in coastal strongholds. South Africa, as a regional leader, has intensified its own counter-terrorism oversight to prevent the spillover of financing and logistics from neighboring conflict zones.
Recent Attacks and Escalating Violence
Extremist tactics have become increasingly brutal in early 2026. Mass kidnappings and suicide bombings remain the primary tools of groups like Boko Haram. In Mozambique, insurgents have been accused of raiding villages and burning agricultural stores. The Christmas Day bombing at a mosque in Borno State highlighted the vulnerability of civilian populations. These attacks aim to shatter public trust in local governments and security forces. The humanitarian crisis is deepening as millions of displaced people seek safety in overcrowded urban centers.
Economic Impact on Regional Trade Routes
The ongoing instability is having a direct impact on the African economy. In the Horn of Africa, the threat to maritime corridors has increased insurance costs for shipping. U.S. airstrikes aim to secure these vital routes near the Bab el-Mandeb strait. Exchange rates in Mogadishu and Abuja remain volatile due to the unpredictable security situation.
Sovereignty and the Future of African Defense
As al-Qaeda and ISIS affiliates continue to exploit governance vacuums, African leaders are increasingly calling for “African-led solutions.” There is a growing desire to reduce dependency on foreign military intervention. While many nations welcome U.S. precision strikes, the end goal remains a self-sustaining security architecture that does not require Western airpower.
Ultimately, the future of the African continent depends on whether local forces, such as the U.S.-trained Danab Brigade, can hold ground cleared by American missiles. Without strong local governance and a disciplined military capable of securing reclaimed territory, the cycle of airstrikes may continue for years.
