This article examines the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PwDs) in governmental policies implemented in West Africa during the Covid-19 pandemic. The authors analyzed 81 official documents to assess the alignment of these policies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to disability. While some countries took measures such as distributing personal protective equipment and establishing accessible educational platforms, the study reveals that these initiatives are often inadequately implemented. PwDs continue to face significant barriers in accessing essential services, including education and healthcare. The authors emphasize the need for governments to adopt more inclusive policies and ensure their effective implementation to prevent PwDs from being left behind in development efforts.

Crisis, Politique publique, Disability, Inclusion

This study investigates the prevalence and determinants of female genital mutilation (FGM) in ten high-risk Sub-Saharan African countries. Utilizing Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 129,182 women aged 15–49, the authors report an overall FGM prevalence of 53.5%. Factors associated with a higher likelihood of undergoing FGM include older age, lack of formal education, rural residence, unemployment, poverty, belief that FGM is religiously mandated, support for wife-beating, and limited decision-making power regarding health. The study emphasizes the need for urgent, targeted interventions that address these socio-economic and cultural determinants to eliminate this harmful practice.

Governance, Santé publique, Female genital mutilation, Women's rights

This Policy Brief explores Senegal’s role in mediating the crisis between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), formed by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger after their withdrawal from ECOWAS. Drawing on its diplomatic tradition and neutrality, Senegal, under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has been appointed as a facilitator. While Senegal officially promotes the AES’s return to ECOWAS, its emissary's statements suggest a more nuanced stance. The brief analyzes issues of regional integration, governance, security cooperation, and sovereignty. It highlights the need for realistic mediation, one that acknowledges the AES states’ security concerns while preserving ECOWAS’s democratic and economic frameworks. The document also emphasizes the regional consequences of the split, including economic fragmentation and weakened security cooperation, urging Senegal to play a strategic and balanced role.

Politics, Political party, Power, State, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Conflict, Gold, Human security, Diplomacy, Crisis

In response to the worsening crisis in the Sahel—characterized by increased violence, mass population displacements, and the closure of thousands of schools—the Sahelian civil society, supported by international partners, launched the Citizen Coalition for the Sahel. This initiative aims to promote an inclusive, people-centered approach to resolving ongoing conflicts. The coalition is structured around four citizen pillars: the protection of civilians, the fight against impunity, addressing humanitarian emergencies, and promoting sustainable political solutions. It calls for close collaboration between states, international organizations, and local communities, particularly in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, to restore trust between populations and their governments and to build lasting peace.

Governance, Peace, Justice, Crisis management, Crise humanitaire

This article examines China's growing presence in the Sahel, focusing on Niger and Chad. Despite security challenges, including threats from Boko Haram and porous borders, China has increased its economic investments in these countries. Key sectors include energy, mining, and infrastructure, with significant projects in road construction, bridges, and thermal power plants. Since 2014, China has become Niger's leading supplier. However, China's involvement remains primarily economic, with limited engagement in security matters, unlike France and the United States, which maintain substantial military presence in the region. The article also highlights concerns about economic dependency and the need for Sahelian countries to diversify their partnerships.

Governance, Economic Development, Security, International cooperation

This document analyzes the contextual factors influencing health emergencies in West Africa, focusing on Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. It examines how epidemics, such as Ebola, COVID-19, mpox, and Lassa fever, are shaped by sociocultural, economic, and political dynamics. The report emphasizes the need for an integrated approach, recognizing the complexity of health crises and the importance of local knowledge. It highlights existing capacities in the region, including disease control centers and academic institutions, while calling for strengthened governance and coordination of responses. The document advocates for better integration of social sciences into health emergency preparedness and response, aiming to develop more effective and contextually appropriate interventions.

Governance, Soicial sciences, Santé publique, Emergency

This report examines the social and cultural factors sustaining female genital mutilation (FGM) in Chad's Mandoul region, where prevalence exceeds 80% in certain areas. FGM is often viewed as a vital initiation rite tied to female identity, influenced by social norms, religious beliefs, and ethnic traditions. Despite legal prohibition since 2002 and its inclusion in the 2017 Constitution, the practice continues, frequently in clandestine settings. Health consequences include obstetric complications and sexual dysfunctions. The report emphasizes the need for locally adapted approaches involving communities, religious leaders, and healthcare professionals to challenge the social norms supporting FGM. It recommends awareness campaigns, particularly in schools, and training for local stakeholders to encourage the abandonment of this practice.

Culture, Cultural identity, Governance, Women, Health, Female genital mutilation

This article explores post-traumatic impacts within northern Nigerian communities affected by Boko Haram insurgency, farmer-herder clashes, and widespread banditry. It contrasts the biomedical understanding of PTSD with social science perspectives, stressing that purely clinical interventions fall short. The report highlights the need to integrate cultural, societal, and community factors into trauma response strategies. It calls for improved humanitarian coordination, better support for service providers, and recognition of collective trauma. Access to mental health care is limited due to stigma, weak infrastructure, and traditional beliefs. The article promotes blended approaches combining clinical and social science frameworks to ensure effective and culturally appropriate support. Collective healing and long-term community resilience are also emphasized as vital to recovery efforts.

Governance, Security, Conflict, Santé mentale

This report investigates youth agripreneurs in Benin, Ethiopia, and Senegal based on a survey of 634 individuals aged 15–35. It highlights the diversity of food-related enterprises, with most youth engaged in farming, processing, or retail. These are typically micro-businesses with modest turnover but significant employment potential. Half of the youth entered agribusiness by choice, and opportunity-driven entrepreneurs outperform those driven by necessity. Access to finance is the most common constraint, while public policy support—especially in training and market access—is widely sought. The study emphasizes the need for differentiated support policies and reaffirms agriculture as an attractive sector for youth. Although many gained skills through informal means, demand for practical training is high. Use of innovation and technology remains low, pointing to a gap between youth aspirations and structural support.

Agriculture, Economic Development, Religious education, Education, Youth, Development, Food security, Soicial sciences, Knowlege production, EMPLOYMENT