Published on July 7, 2025 by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, Paul Nantulya’s article explores the declining appeal of China’s transactional diplomacy in Africa, based on economic deals devoid of political conditions. This model now faces mounting criticism in several African countries. In Ghana, civil society organizations denounce environmental harm and opaque mining projects. In Sierra Leone, Chinese mining contracts are increasingly questioned. In Nigeria, despite strong bilateral ties, concerns grow about trade imbalances. In Senegal, tensions emerge around Chinese port infrastructure. These cases reveal a growing disillusionment in West Africa, where citizens demand more transparency, fairer deals, and local benefits. The author urges a restructuring of China-Africa partnerships to focus on good governance and African-led development priorities.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Peace, Justice, Mediation, Gold, Dialogue, Diplomacy

The pastoral surveillance bulletin published by Action Against Hunger (ACF) covers April to May 2025 in eight departments of Niger (regions of Tahoua, Tillabéri, Maradi, and Diffa). It aims to monitor pastoral conditions and guide humanitarian action. The report highlights early vegetation degradation in certain areas, unusually low water point levels, and a decline in livestock body condition. Security challenges persist, restricting access to grazing zones. Market access is also disrupted, impacting both livestock and food prices. The bulletin calls for urgent support in livestock feed distribution, secure access to natural resources, and strengthening pastoral resilience strategies.

State, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Human security, Researh, Information, Marché

The April–May 2025 pastoral surveillance bulletin (No. 40), published by Action Against Hunger and the Billital Maroobé Network, assesses the pastoral situation in Senegal. It highlights north-to-south transhumance movements, with herds arriving from Mauritania and leaving toward Mali. Although vegetation cover is generally adequate, notable deficits persist in northern regions. Water resources are largely sufficient but rely heavily on boreholes. Animal diseases, livestock theft, and conflicts between herders and farmers are reported. On markets, male cattle prices rose significantly, and rice prices remained high compared to the five-year average. The bulletin urges strengthened pastoral infrastructure, conflict resolution training, and support to local transhumance committees to manage regional vulnerabilities and ensure resource access and livestock security during the pastoral lean season.

State, Pastoralism, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Human security, Soicial sciences, Information

This ACF bulletin assesses the multisectoral situation in the regions of Timbuktu and Taoudénit (Mali) from April to May 2025. It highlights a marked deterioration in food security, driven by ongoing insecurity, population displacement, rising food prices, and low agricultural production. The report also signals increasing water stress, rising cases of acute malnutrition, reduced access to healthcare and education services, and violations of the basic rights of displaced populations. Despite ongoing humanitarian responses, needs remain critical, particularly in the Goundam and Gourma-Rharous districts. The bulletin calls for intensified interventions in food security, health/nutrition, water-sanitation-hygiene (WASH), and protection, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

State, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Human security, Fishing, Insécurité, Marché

In this article, Paul Nantulya examines China’s growing security footprint in Africa, reflecting the Communist Party’s global ambitions. Through the 2025–2027 FOCAC action plan, Beijing expands military cooperation: training programs, joint drills, arms exports, and infrastructure support. Countries such as Tanzania, Senegal, Kenya, and Namibia are central partners. While China offers affordable weaponry and avoids political conditionality, its governance model—focused on regime stability—raises concerns. Chinese arms have ended up in the hands of militants, and surveillance technology is often used to suppress political dissent. Though many African governments see Chinese support as strategic, civil societies fear increased authoritarian tendencies. China's security engagement is expected to continue growing, underscoring the need for transparency, stronger export controls, and civic oversight to ensure it aligns with citizens’ interests.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Military activity, Human security, Information

The article, published by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies on February 3, 2024, assesses the failure of Mali's promised democratic transition under the military junta that seized power in August 2020. The junta has repeatedly postponed elections and adopted a new constitution that consolidates power in the hands of Colonel Assimi Goïta. Security and economic conditions have worsened, with Islamist violence surging and poverty increasing. The withdrawal from ECOWAS, the G5 Sahel, and MINUSMA has left Mali isolated. Freedoms have shrunk, justice has been obstructed, and Russian mercenaries — implicated in serious human rights abuses — have been brought in. The article argues that the junta has broken its commitments to both citizens and international partners, rendering the concept of a “transition” meaningless.

State, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Political Violence, Election, Gold, Poverty, Human security, Threat, Politique publique, Transition, Services publics

This report examines the persistent food insecurity in the Central Sahel (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger), through four major crises between 2004 and 2022. It identifies both structural (climate, demographic growth, poverty) and emerging (conflict, political instability, global price shocks) vulnerability factors. Despite the expansion of early warning systems and crisis management mechanisms, governance remains fragmented, overly technocratic, underfunded, and poorly coordinated. The report calls for more inclusive, integrated governance to connect prevention, resilience, social protection, and food sovereignty. Responses remain largely reactive and short-term, while areas affected by armed conflict are the most food insecure. The study concludes that strategic frameworks must be rethought to include multisectoral and territorialized approaches, enhancing the capacity to deal with compounded risks.

Security, Conflict, Development, Food security, Human security, Threat, Researh, Knowlege production, Crisis, Food insecurity

On June 1, 2025, the Boulikessi military camp in Douentza region (central Mali) was attacked by jihadist groups affiliated with GSIM, resulting in several Malian soldiers killed . The camp is strategically located at a border crossroads with Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mauritania, controlling fuel, arms, and ammunition trafficking routes . Since 2011, various armed factions (MNLA, MUJAO, MAA, GATIA, HCUA) have fought to control it, exploiting power vacuums . Reinforced with civilian infrastructure in 2016, it faced further attacks in 2017 and 2019, causing looting and friction with locals . Recaptures of the camp are often followed by terror assaults, undermining regional stability. The article warns that the fall of Boulikessi would expose nearby hubs like Hombori and Mondoro, significantly exacerbating security risks in the area.

Governance, Boundary, Security, Military activity, Trafic

The pastoral surveillance bulletin for April–May 2025 in Mauritania, published by Action Against Hunger and its partners, reports a concerning situation as the lean season approaches. The degradation of natural pastures and drying of water points, particularly in eastern regions (Hodh El Chargui and Hodh El Gharbi), are increasing pressure on pastoral resources. Transhumance movements have begun earlier and more intensely than usual, often hindered by land disputes and high livestock concentrations in certain zones. The body condition of livestock is generally fair, though some disease outbreaks have been reported. Market trends show rising prices for both livestock and staple foods, to the disadvantage of herders. Although the security context remains relatively stable, the food situation of pastoral households is increasingly fragile.

State, Pastoralism, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Human security, Social, Civil Society, Marché