Asymmetric Drone Warfare in Africa: Nonstate Actors Gain Advantage

• •Nonstate actors in Africa are leveraging drones to gain tactical advantages in conflicts.
• •Turkey and China are leading suppliers of drones in Africa, with significant exports to conflict zones.
• •Governments are encouraged to develop layered defenses against drone threats and improve counter-drone strategies.

Armed nonstate actors in Africa are increasingly using small unmanned drones, creating challenges for government forces. The proliferation of drones has shifted the balance of power in conflicts across at least 17 African countries. Countries like Turkey and China are major suppliers of drones, with Turkey's Bayraktar TB2 becoming particularly prominent. In 2026, the Front de libération de l’Azawad (FLA) successfully used FPV drones against Russian paramilitary forces in Mali, demonstrating the effectiveness of these systems. African governments are urged to enhance their counter-drone capabilities and restrict drone supply chains to address this evolving threat. The situation reflects a broader trend of militarization and technological advancement in warfare across the continent.