The article “Sahel: contours and challenges of a multidimensional crisis” by Niagalé Bagayoko, published in Diplomatie (n°107, January-February 2021) by Areion Group, examines the complexity of the crisis in the Sahel. It highlights the interaction between jihadist insurgencies, community conflicts, the collapse of local governance and international military interventions. The article discusses the rivalry between groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda (GSIM) and those linked to the Islamic State (ISGS), as well as the rise of local militias and self-defense groups. It also addresses tensions between local actors and international forces such as Barkhane and MINUSMA. Finally, the author highlights the need to address the root causes of the crisis, notably poor governance and the absence of lasting political solutions.

State, Natural ressources, Security, Jihad, Terrorism, Gold, Human security, Cooperation, Threat, Dialogue

Issue 3 of the journal Global Africa, entitled “Pan-Africanism, African Research and Global Issues”, explores the origins and evolution of Pan-Africanism as a political and epistemic movement. The authors, Cheikh Thiam and Mjiba Frehiwot, analyze Pan-Africanism, since the 17th century, in the service of the response to coloniality and dehumanization imposed by Euro-modernity.

Cultural identity, Politics, Governance, Knowlege production, Pan-Africanism

The article The Salafization of Nigerien Society Against the State analyzes the evolution of Salafism in Niger and its impact on society and the State. Since the July 2023 coup, three major forces have been competing for political influence: the military, the jihadists and the Salafists. The latter, although less visible, have a growing influence by spreading a fundamentalist religious ideology. The article traces the history of relations between Islam and the State in Niger, highlighting how Salafization has transformed the social and public sphere. However, it has not yet directly entered the political arena. Salafism presents itself as an alternative to Western models and corrupt regimes, attracting young people in particular. The author highlights the complexity of the situation and the ambiguity of the relations between Salafism, the State and international actors.

Politics, Political party, Power, State, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Gold, Social, Civil Society

The article “When the community influences public authorities: women mobilized in West Africa” by Larissa Kojoué, published by the Population & Development Center (Ceped, Université Paris Cité – IRD), explores the way in which collective mobilizations of women in West Africa have influenced public policies in recent years. Through several examples (Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal, Ivory Coast), he highlighted collective actions that led to major political reforms, notably the criminalization of rape, the protection of young girls in school and the fight against sexist violence. The article emphasizes the role of African activists who, beyond international influences, have shaped their own movements with demands adapted to local realities. However, it also highlights persistent challenges, such as the regression of rights under political pressure, security crises and the influence of religious conservatism.

Politics, Political party, State, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Political Violence, Gold, Violence, Threat

The article "Pragmatic contexts and formalist contexts. A socio-anthropological perspective", written by Jean-Pierre Olivier de Sardan, explores the distinction between pragmatic (proximity) contexts and formalist (structural) contexts in social sciences. It shows that the social sciences mix contextualization and decontextualization according to their methods. Qualitative surveys, focused on local interactions, better reflect the complexity of the field than quantitative methods, which favor abstract indicators. The author criticizes social engineering and standardized intervention models, often developed without taking into account local contexts. He defends the importance of the agency of actors and advocates a gradual increase in generality, rather than an abstract and decontextualized generalization. The study of pragmatic contexts allows a better understanding of public policies and development projects, particularly in Africa.

Politics, Political party, Power, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Development, Gold, Social, Researh, Knowlege production

The article examines an economic and agricultural trend in West Africa: reinvesting income from working in cocoa plantations in Côte d'Ivoire into sesame and cashew nut cultivation in Sahelian countries. These crops provide a more profitable alternative to staple crops like maize and cassava. Cashew trees aid reforestation and soil fertility, while sesame, drought-resistant, fits well into local agricultural cycles. The rise of these crops improves farmers' economic conditions, promoting education and reducing rural exodus. However, labor migration to Côte d'Ivoire for cocoa farming, including child labor, remains a critical issue.

Culture, Agriculture, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Education, Development, Family, Gold, Illegal activity, EMPLOYMENT

The article Anatomy of “anti-French sentiment”, produced by Caroline Roussy and published by IRIS in March 2024, explores the origin and manifestations of the rejection of France in West Africa and the Sahel. He encountered popular movements contesting the French presence, notably through symbolic acts and violent demonstrations. The text analyzes the involvement of activist figures like Kémi Séba and the influence of foreign powers like Russia. He underlines the absence of scientific methodology to measure this feeling and the role of African political elites who exploit this rejection. The article insists on the fact that this rejection is part of a historical dynamic linked to colonization, Françafrique and persistent economic imbalances.

Politics, Political party, Power, State, Sovereignty, Natural ressources, Jihad, Gold, Threat, Civil Society

The article "Tramadol, medicine and drug for the poor in West Africa and the Sahel", written by Antonin Tisseron and published on October 12, 2017 by the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri), analyzes the rise of consumption of Tramadol in West Africa and the Sahel. Initially an opioid painkiller, it became a commonly taken drug due to its low cost and stimulating effects. Imported mainly from India and China, it is often sold in counterfeit form in doses well above pharmaceutical standards. This consumption has spread in various circles, notably among young people, manual workers and fighters of armed groups such as Boko Haram. The article highlights the health risks (dependence, convulsions, psychological disorders) as well as security issues. He calls for better regulation and awareness campaigns to limit the harmful effects of this substance.

Power, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Gold, Social, Soicial sciences, Illegal activity, Médicament

It analyzes the sudden emergence of artisanal gold panning in northern Niger in 2014, following the discovery of gold deposits in the Djado valley, in Tchibarakaten and in the Aïr massif. These discoveries led to a gold rush involving many Nigerians and foreigners seeking their fortune. The article describes the main gold panning sites and their actors, examines the interactions between the state, traders and gold miners, and assesses the political, religious, economic, social and environmental consequences of this activity in the Agadez region. The authors emphasize that, although gold panning has brought unexpected economic activity in a difficult economic situation, it also generates effects largely uncontrolled by the government, particularly in terms of regulation and environmental impact.

Governance, Environment, Natural ressources, Gold