In the interview titled "The State Must Provide the Necessary Means for Research," Dr. Hamidou Lazoumar Ramatoulaye, an epidemiologist and researcher at the Center for Medical and Health Research (CERMES) in Niger, emphasizes the crucial importance of adequate research funding for national development. She highlights the essential role of research in improving health systems and promoting the well-being of populations. Dr. Ramatoulaye stresses the need for the state to invest more in research infrastructures, researcher training, and the creation of partnerships with international institutions. She also advocates for better valorization of research results so they can be practically applied in public policies and medical practices. According to her, without strong state commitment to supporting research, it would be challenging to address the health challenges facing Niger.

Governance, Health, Researh, Funding

On December 2, 2024, the fifteenth legislature of Senegal was installed, marked by the election of El Malick Ndiaye as President of the National Assembly with 134 votes out of 165. Former Minister of Infrastructure and Land and Air Transport, Ndiaye is a member of the African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (PASTEF) party, which won 130 of the 165 seats in the legislative elections of November 17, 2024, with 54.97% of the vote. This election recorded a turnout of 49.72%, slightly higher than that of 2022 (46.6%), but lower than the presidential election of March 2024 (61%). This mobilization reflects the growing engagement of young people, representing nearly 38% of registered voters. The results reflect a desire for change and political renewal, with a more diverse National Assembly, both in terms of gender and professional backgrounds. However, challenges remain regarding the effective representation of all social classes and the realization of electoral promises in a demanding socio-economic context.

Political party, Political Power, Governance, Election

In 2024, Côte d'Ivoire is going through a tumultuous political period, marked by electoral conflicts and growing uncertainty ahead of the presidential election scheduled for October 2025. The candidacy of the current president, Alassane Ouattara, as well as the intentions of opposition figures remain unclear. On December 31, 2024, Guillaume Soro, former president of the National Assembly in exile in Mali for six years following a conviction for attempted coup d'état, announced his candidacy for the presidency. On the same day, Alassane Ouattara declared the retrocession of the French military base of the 43rd Marine Infantry Battalion in Port-Bouët to the Ivorian armed forces, marking a significant step in the redefinition of Franco-Ivorian relations. These developments are increasing political uncertainty and diplomatic tensions in Côte d'Ivoire ahead of the elections.

Politics, Governance, Election, Diplomacy

The article entitled “Evaluation of the provision of care in emergency situations based on the establishment of advanced health posts in the town of Djibo, Burkina Faso, April 2022” analyzes the effectiveness of advanced health posts (PSAs) deployed in Djibo in response to an emergency situation in April 2022. The study examines how these PSAs improved access to health care for the local population in crisis situations. The results indicate increased use of health services and better accessibility for residents, thus contributing to a more effective health response in emergency contexts.

Governance, Health, Politique publique, Emergency, Accessibility

The article titled "Togo: Senatorial elections in sight, feet in ECOWAS and hand extended to SSA," published by the Timbuktu Institute on February 25, 2025, examines Togo's geopolitical stance ahead of its first senatorial elections scheduled for February 2025. Togo, a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has expressed interest in joining the Sahel Alliance (SSA), an initiative aimed at strengthening security and development cooperation in the Sahel region. This move comes as the country faces jihadist incursions and has recently adopted a controversial constitutional reform, transitioning from a presidential to a parliamentary system. The article highlights that this reform has exacerbated internal political divisions. The upcoming senatorial elections will mark the full implementation of this political transition. The Constitutional Court has already published the final list of candidates for this election, which will take place shortly after the 20th anniversary of the death of former President Gnassingbé Eyadema.

Politics, Governance, Security, Jihad, Election

In 2024, Côte d’Ivoire experienced a turbulent political scene ahead of the presidential election scheduled for October 2025. Former National Assembly Speaker Guillaume Soro, exiled in Mali after a 20-year prison sentence for attempted coup d’état, announced his candidacy in an online address on December 31, 2024. On the same day, President Alassane Ouattara declared the retrocession of the French military base of the 43rd Marine Infantry Battalion in Port-Bouët to the Ivorian armed forces in January 2025, marking a turning point in defense relations with France. In addition, the leader of the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), Tidjane Thiam, expressed his ambition to transform the country into a prosperous and united nation. For his part, Laurent Gbagbo has affirmed his determination to be re-registered on the electoral lists to participate in the 2025 election, despite the loss of his civil rights due to a previous conviction. On the diplomatic front, tensions have arisen with Niger, accusing the Ivorian army of training Nigerien dissidents, allegations denied by Abidjan.

Political party, Political Power, Governance, Security, Election

In January 2025, Niger, alongside Mali and Burkina Faso, officially left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to join the Alliance of Sahel States (ESA). The move was widely welcomed by the Nigerien population, with thousands demonstrating in Niamey to express their support for the ruling junta. At the same time, the country faces ongoing security challenges, highlighted by the kidnapping of a 73-year-old Austrian aid worker in Agadez on 11 January. Although the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) was initially suspected, it has not denied any involvement in the act. In addition, there are growing concerns over citizens’ rights and freedoms, particularly following the arrest on 18 January of the editor-in-chief of the private channel Canal 3. These events highlight the complex challenges Niger faces in its quest for stability and security.

Governance, Security, Liberté

In January 2025, Niger, alongside Mali and Burkina Faso, officially withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to join the Alliance of Sahel States (ESA). The move was widely welcomed by the Nigerien population, who demonstrated in their thousands in Niamey in support of the ruling junta. At the same time, the country faces ongoing security challenges, highlighted by the kidnapping of a 73-year-old Austrian aid worker in Agadez on 11 January. Although the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM) was initially suspected, it denied any involvement in the act. In addition, concerns have grown over citizens’ rights and freedoms, particularly following the arrest on 18 January of the editor-in-chief of the private channel Canal 3. These events highlight the complex challenges Niger faces in its quest for stability and security.

Governance, Security, Liberté

The article titled "Togo: Senatorial elections in sight, feet in ECOWAS and hand extended to SSA," published by the Timbuktu Institute on February 25, 2025, examines Togo's geopolitical stance ahead of its first senatorial elections scheduled for February 2025. Togo, a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has expressed interest in joining the Sahel Alliance (SSA), an initiative aimed at strengthening security and development cooperation in the Sahel region. This move comes as the country faces jihadist incursions and has recently adopted a controversial constitutional reform, transitioning from a presidential to a parliamentary system. The article highlights that this reform has exacerbated internal political divisions. The upcoming senatorial elections will mark the full implementation of this political transition. The Constitutional Court has already published the final list of candidates for this election, which will take place shortly after the 20th anniversary of the death of former President Gnassingbé Eyadema.

Politics, Governance, Security, Election