The IRIS video, dated September 3, 2024, presents an exchange between Pascal Boniface and Caroline Roussy, Research Director and Head of the Africa/s Program, on the security and political situation in the Sahel, particularly in Burkina Faso, following the attack of August 24, 2024, one of the deadliest in the country's history. They discuss the worsening security crisis in the region, marked by a resurgence of terrorist attacks and growing political instability. The video also addresses the challenges faced by local governments and international forces in their fight against terrorism, as well as the implications for the civilian population. The speakers emphasize the importance of an integrated approach, combining military efforts, economic development and strengthening governance, to sustainably stabilize the region. They emphasize the need for increased cooperation between the Sahel states and the international community to address this multidimensional crisis.

Governance, Security, Jihad, Violence

The article “Knowledge is Power: Youth-led research to address power dynamics in knowledge and advocacy processes to end child marriage and promote girls’ education in West Africa” published in July 2024 by Girls Not Brides, highlighting the alarming prevalence of child marriage in West and Central Africa, where 39% of girls are married before the age of 18. Countries such as Niger (76%), Central African Republic (68%) and Chad (67%) are among the highest rates in the world. The project aims to strengthen the participation of young people, especially young women, in research and advocacy processes

Education, Women

The Danish Refugee Council’s article “Education under attack in West and Central Africa highlights the devastating impact of conflict on education in the region. By the end of the 2021-2022 school year, more than 12,400 schools were closed in eight countries, mainly due to attacks by non-state armed groups, teachers fleeing or parents being afraid to send their children to school. This is jeopardizing the future of entire generations of children, depriving them of access to learning and exposing them to compounding risks such as early marriage, child labour and recruitment by armed groups. Despite the adoption of the Safe Schools Declaration by most countries in the region, persistent attacks underscore the need for concrete measures to protect education. The report recommends holistic and multi-sectoral approaches, strengthening alternative learning solutions and increasing funding for education in emergencies.

Governance, Security, Education

The OCHA report of March 2024 highlights the complexity of the humanitarian situation in Chad, exacerbated by structural crises, climate shocks and the massive influx of refugees fleeing the Sudanese conflict since April 2023. These factors seriously disrupt the provision of essential social services, particularly in the east of the country, and compromise development efforts. Chad, one of the poorest countries in the world, hosts more than a million refugees, placing it among the seven countries receiving the most. Inter- and intra-community conflicts, as well as the presence of non-state armed groups, lead to forced displacement of populations, particularly in the provinces of Logone Occidental and Lac. Food insecurity affects nearly 40% of households, with particularly high rates in the Sahelian and Saharan zones. The nutritional situation is worrying, aggravated by limited access to drinking water and health services. The 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan aims to provide emergency assistance to 4 million people, improve access to social services for 3.6 million people and strengthen the resilience of 4.6 million people, with a total budget of US$1.14 billion.

Security, Conflict, refugee, Crise humanitaire

The article highlights the urgency of establishing inclusive development in the Sahel and West Africa to counter the growing destabilization of the region. The author, drawing on her humanitarian experience, highlights local initiatives led by authorities, community leaders, women's and youth associations, particularly in the areas of education and training. However, she deplores the fact that current political decisions neglect the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, thus exacerbating their precariousness. She calls for collective mobilization to build productive, supportive and dignified African societies, rather than constantly recovering from repeated crises.

Education, Development, Women, Vulnerability

The Royal Atlantic Initiative, announced by King Mohammed VI on November 6, 2023, aims to provide landlocked Sahelian countries—Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Chad—with access to the Atlantic Ocean via the port of Dakhla. This project allows Morocco to strengthen its sovereignty over Western Sahara, while offering Sahelian states an economic alternative to their isolation, which has been accentuated by ECOWAS sanctions following coups d’état. However, logistical and territorial challenges remain, including the lack of common borders between Morocco and these countries, requiring the cooperation of Mauritania, which remains cautious about its involvement.

Sovereignty, Governance

The article "Environment and Diseases in the Sahel (West Africa). Between Two Worlds" examines the interaction between environmental conditions and disease prevalence in the Sahel region. It highlights that the Sahel, located between the Saharan and Sudanese climates, is a convergence zone for various epidemics. Diseases vary according to the seasons and the lifestyles of the populations: nomadic pastoralists and sedentary farmers are not affected in the same way. For example, the "lean cow" period for pastoralists, corresponding to the end of the dry season, differs from the "empty granaries" period for farmers. This complex dynamic between environment and public health makes disease management particularly difficult in this region.

Agriculture, Pastoralism, Climate change, Health

Awareness raising and mediation is essential to find endogenous solutions to conflicts related to the control of resources such as pastures, agricultural lands and livestock. The article highlights the importance of recognizing and strengthening the role of women, in line with resolution 1325, for sustainable peace in the region.

Agriculture, Pastoralism, Peace, Conflict, Women, REAL ESTATE