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

WATHI's article analyzes the growing threat of regional disintegration in West Africa, exacerbated by multiple crises: insecurity, political instability, armed conflicts, and socio-economic challenges. Factors such as the military coup in several countries (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger), the rise of jihadist armed groups, and tensions between local communities are worsening regional fragility. These dynamics threaten state cohesion and regional integration efforts. Faced with this critical situation, the article calls for urgent collective action, focused on restoring democratic governance, strengthening local institutions, and promoting inclusive development policies. It emphasizes the importance of African solutions, driven by responsible states and committed populations, to avoid total fragmentation. Resignation is rejected in favor of a proactive approach to building a stable future

Inequality, Conflict, Crisis management, Jihad, Poverty, Social cohesion, Institution

WATHI's article analyzes the growing threat of regional disintegration in West Africa, exacerbated by multiple crises: insecurity, political instability, armed conflicts, and socio-economic challenges. Factors such as the military coup in several countries (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger), the rise of jihadist armed groups, and tensions between local communities are worsening regional fragility. These dynamics threaten state cohesion and regional integration efforts. Faced with this critical situation, the article calls for urgent collective action, focused on restoring democratic governance, strengthening local institutions, and promoting inclusive development policies. It emphasizes the importance of African solutions, driven by responsible states and committed populations, to avoid total fragmentation. Resignation is rejected in favor of a proactive approach to building a stable future

Inequality, Conflict, Crisis management, Jihad, Poverty, Social cohesion, Crisis, Institution

Since 2014, the Tillabéri region in western Niger has been plagued by growing insecurity due to armed groups, crime, and community conflict. Until 2020, these groups primarily targeted local authorities and defense forces, while extorting civilians without resorting to physical violence. However, in 2021, they intensified their direct attacks on civilians, leading to a 52% increase in deaths related to this violence between 2020 and 2021, according to ACLED. Faced with the weak military presence, some communities have formed self-defense groups, such as the one in Banibangou. Although violence decreased in 2022, with 192 deaths recorded compared to 465 in 2021, instability persists. The military coup of July 26, 2023, which overthrew Mohamed Bazoum, could influence the security situation of civilians in the affected areas.

Governance, Conflict, Jihad, Violence, Insécurité, Groupes armés non étatiques

Niger faces a dual threat: jihadist attacks and corruption within its army. Armed groups operate in the east and west, severely testing defense forces. Simultaneously, corruption scandals tarnish military credibility. In May 2020, a fallen soldier's posthumous letter condemned the war's transformation into a "business." An audit by the General Inspectorate of the Armed Forces revealed that between 2014 and 2019, approximately 76 billion CFA francs (116 million euros) were embezzled in arms contracts, accounting for nearly 45% of the annual defense budget. This undermines the effectiveness of counterterrorism efforts and highlights the urgent need for reforms to restore trust and strengthen national security.

State, Bribery, Conflict, Jihad, Military activity, Violence, Crisis

WATHI’s article highlights the growing risks of the Sahel becoming a proxy war theatre, where foreign powers clash to defend their strategic interests. In a context of multiple crises – insecurity, poverty and political instability – the region attracts international actors with divergent agendas, including Russia, China, the United States and the European Union. These interventions, often disguised as aid or partnerships, exacerbate local tensions and divisions between Sahelian countries. Geopolitical rivalries risk aggravating regional fragility and diverting attention from the real challenges: economic development, governance and sustainable security. The article calls for concerted action by Sahelian states to preserve their sovereignty and avoid the instrumentalization of their territories. It also advocates strengthened regional cooperation and balanced partnerships to build lasting peace and respond to human needs.

Sovereignty, Governance, Security, Conflict, Poverty, Crisis

The Africa Center for Strategic Studies article, published on February 21, 2019, analyzes the evolution of Islamist militant groups in the Sahel. Since 2016, violent incidents involving these groups have doubled each year, from 90 in 2016 to 465 in 2018, with a parallel increase in associated deaths, from 218 to 1,110 over the same period. Violence against civilians also increased, accounting for 34% of reported incidents in 2018. Mali remains the epicenter of this violence, accounting for 64% of incidents in 2018. This increase is attributed to increased cooperation between militant groups, particularly within the Jama'at Nusrat al Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) coalition, formed in March 2017. Burkina Faso, previously spared, has seen a rapid escalation, with incidents increasing from 3 in 2015 to 137 in 2018. The groups generally operate in specific geographic areas, with JNIM active in central and northern Mali, Ansaroul Islam around Djibo in Burkina Faso, and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) along the Mali-Niger border.

Security, Conflict, Jihad, Violence

The article analyzes the challenges of inclusive dialogue in Mali in a context marked by persistent conflicts. Following the failure of previous peace agreements, the Malian authorities are trying to regain control of the process by initiating a national dialogue without international mediation. However, this approach is addressed for its lack of inclusiveness, in particular the absence of dialogue with the main actors of the violence, including terrorist groups such as the GSIM. Previous agreements, mediated by international actors, have failed due to a lack of will on the part of the parties. Challenges therefore include the absence of key actors, the military predominance in pacification strategies and the withdrawal of groups such as the CMA, thus complicating the effectiveness of this dialogue.

Peace, Conflict, Crisis management, Terrorism, Dialogue

The study explores transnational and security challenges in Kédougou, a border region between Guinea, Mali and Senegal, marked by socio-economic vulnerabilities, tensions related to gold mining and cross-border trafficking. Despite mineral wealth and cultural diversity, local populations suffer from marginalization, exacerbated by a lack of infrastructure and training. The survey highlights the importance of social cohesion and resilience to counter the risks of radicalization. It recommends integrated strategies including economic development, infrastructure strengthening and community dialogue to ensure peaceful and sustainable coexistence.

Boundary, Security, Conflict, Vulnerability, Social cohesion