Critical Threats Africa File published on 11 April 2024 several items titled "Kremlin's Africa Corps Nears Niger; Ethiopia-Somalia Rift Widens; al-Qaeda Affiliates Strengthen in the Sahel and Horn" by Liam Karr, Matthew Gianitsos, and Josie von Fischer.
Russia is reported ready to send an Africa Corps contingent to Niger. An al-Qaeda affiliate has increased its attacks in western Niger since the beginning of 2024. Ethiopia is advancing bilateral partnerships with autonomous regions in northern Somalia, escalating tensions between the Somali Federal government and Ethiopia. Al-Shabaab has stepped up attacks in south central Somalia.
