Other documents that may interest you :

• Podcast / Governance, Security and human rights,

  Far from the battle of narratives and passions 30/01/2026

  Summary :

  The article “Far from the battle of narratives and passions: exploring the lived experiences of populations in besieged localities in Mali” draws on t...

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  Country : Mali

  Organizations : WATHI
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Podcast / Governance, Security and human rights,
Far from the battle of narratives and passions 30/01/2026
Summary :
The article “Far from the battle of narratives and passions: exploring the lived experiences of populations in besieged localities in Mali” draws on the research study Living under blockade: areas under JNIM influence in Mali, conducted by Mahamadou Bassirou Tangara and Ibrahima Poudiougou. The study examines the impact of blockades imposed by jihadist armed groups, particularly the Katiba Macina affiliated with JNIM, on civilian populations in central Mali. Using a qualitative and comparative methodology in the Mopti and Ségou regions, the authors document the severe consequences of these blockades: isolation, collapse of economic activities, targeted violence, restrictions on movement, social fragmentation, and school closures. The article highlights blockade as a long-term strategy of territorial control with devastating effects on daily life, far beyond military considerations. By centering local voices and lived experiences, the research moves away from ideological narratives and provides grounded insights that are essential for informing political and security decision-making in Mali.
Keywords :
Politics, Governance, Security, Crisis, Groupes armés
Organizations :
WATHI
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• Academic analysis and Think Tank / Governance, Security and human rights,

  The Effectiveness of Defense and Security Forces in the Sahel and West Africa 17/11/2025

  Summary :

  The article examines the effectiveness of defense and security forces in the Sahel and West Africa amid the rise of terrorist groups. Since the 1990s,...

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  Country : Burkina Faso , Mali , Mauritania , Niger , Benin , Ivory Coste , Togo

  Organizations : WATHI
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Academic analysis and Think Tank / Governance, Security and human rights,
The Effectiveness of Defense and Security Forces in the Sahel and West Africa 17/11/2025
Summary :
The article examines the effectiveness of defense and security forces in the Sahel and West Africa amid the rise of terrorist groups. Since the 1990s, structural weaknesses—poor equipment, limited training, and lack of modernization—have undermined national armies’ ability to confront asymmetric threats. Armed groups exploit these vulnerabilities, relying on insurgent and guerrilla tactics that outperform conventional military approaches. The document highlights varied national situations: the fragility of Mali and Burkina Faso, the relative preparedness of Niger, and Mauritania’s successful military reforms. It also emphasizes the shortcomings of foreign operations and the operational limitations of the G5 Sahel Joint Force. The article recommends strengthening military capacities, adopting counter-insurgency doctrines, enhancing cooperation with local communities, improving regional coordination, and investing in intelligence and surveillance.
Keywords :
Governance, Security, Terrorism, Coopération régionale
Organizations :
WATHI
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• Academic analysis and Think Tank / Governance,

  Preventing Violent Extremism in The Gambia: Addressing Vulnerabilities and Strengthening Resilience 02/12/2025

  Summary :

  This policy brief examines why The Gambia, despite being ranked among Africa’s safest countries, remains vulnerable to violent extremism. Regional ins...

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  Country : Burkina Faso , Gambia , Mauritania , Niger , Senegal , Guinea-Bissau

  Organizations : WATHI
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Academic analysis and Think Tank / Governance,
Preventing Violent Extremism in The Gambia: Addressing Vulnerabilities and Strengthening Resilience 02/12/2025
Summary :
This policy brief examines why The Gambia, despite being ranked among Africa’s safest countries, remains vulnerable to violent extremism. Regional insecurity—especially Mali’s crisis, Sahelian instability, and porous borders—creates significant exposure risks. Internal vulnerabilities amplify these threats: growing religious radicalization within some madrasa systems, the influence of reformist preachers, rising sectarian tensions, and severe youth unemployment. The brief stresses the need for a multisectoral approach combining security reform, stronger governance, regulation of religious education, community mediation, youth engagement, and empowerment of women and local leaders. Efforts led by the Gambian government, ECOWAS, civil society, and youth organizations—such as security sector reform, counterterrorism strategies, peace education initiatives, and the Youth, Peace and Security Action Plan—highlight progress. However, coordination remains weak, institutions operate in silos, and rural communities face structural marginalization and limited state presence, which heighten their vulnerability to radicalization and extremist narratives. Strengthening resilience requires sustained, integrated, and community-centered interventions.
Keywords :
Governance, Security, Youth, Extremism, Vulnerability, Violence, Radicalisation
Organizations :
WATHI
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• NGO / Association report / Security and human rights,

  Multisectoral Surveillance Bulletin on the Regions of Tombouctou and Taoudénni – Mali, No. 15 28/01/2026

  Summary :

  This multisectoral surveillance bulletin examines the humanitarian, agro-pastoral, health, nutrition, and security situation in the regions of Tombouc...

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  Country : Mali

  Organizations : Action Against Hunger (ACF) – Regional Office for West and Central Africa (Dakar, Senegal)
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NGO / Association report / Security and human rights,
Multisectoral Surveillance Bulletin on the Regions of Tombouctou and Taoudénni – Mali, No. 15 28/01/2026
Summary :
This multisectoral surveillance bulletin examines the humanitarian, agro-pastoral, health, nutrition, and security situation in the regions of Tombouctou and Taoudénni in Mali for October–November 2025. It highlights the continuation of rice harvesting and the completion of rain-fed crops, generally assessed as satisfactory despite input shortages and localized drought-related losses. Rising water levels of the Niger River have improved pastoral resources but temporarily disrupted road infrastructure and reduced fishing production. From a security perspective, reported incidents have declined; however, persistent pressure from armed groups—including access restrictions and zakat collection—has led to significant internal displacement. Food security remains fragile, with projections indicating a sharp increase in populations facing crisis levels of food insecurity in 2026. Nutritional conditions have deteriorated, particularly in Tombouctou, where cases of global acute malnutrition have risen. This situation is exacerbated by infectious diseases, malaria, and low household purchasing power, underscoring the need for strengthened humanitarian and social protection interventions.
Keywords :
Culture, Power, State, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Family, Food security, Malnutrition, water
Organizations :
Action Against Hunger (ACF) – Regional Office for West and Central Africa (Dakar, Senegal)
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