The policy brief “Sahel: Why stabilization efforts should address internal displacement” (April 2023), authored by Ekaterina (Katia) Golovko at the Clingendael Institute, highlights the critical role of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in stabilization strategies across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Governments are promoting the return of IDPs to “stabilize” regions, yet without preparedness in host communities, this may trigger strain on public services, increase local tensions, and fuel community conflict. The brief recommends integrating displacement concerns into stabilization planning, strengthening local institutional capacity, supporting IDP economic inclusion, and improving coordination between humanitarian and state actors. It also stresses the need for sustainable funding of social services, monitoring the impact of returns on communal dynamics, and fostering an inclusive political framework to achieve lasting stabilization.

Migration, Crisis management, Violence, refugee

In this article, anthropologist Jean-Pierre Olivier de Sardan argues for a radical reform of national armies in the Sahel, in light of the failure of conventional military responses to jihadist insurgencies in Mali, Burkina Faso, and to a lesser extent, Niger. He criticizes the corruption, inefficiency, and disconnect of national armies, as well as the ineffectiveness of foreign interventions. The author calls for rebuilding armed forces that are protective, community-based, and respectful of human rights, able to establish “liberated zones.” He emphasizes the need to integrate military actions with development initiatives, state reconstruction, and local negotiations. Although imperfect, Niger stands as a potential example of progress. The core proposition lies in building public security with rural populations through a “people’s war” logic against jihadism.

State, Security, Terrorism, Military activity

In “The silent threat: Kidnappings in Burkina Faso”, Flore Berger, a senior analyst at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, outlines the evolution of the kidnapping industry in Burkina Faso. Since 2017, 97% of kidnappings have targeted Burkinabé nationals rather than foreigners . Kidnapping incidents rose dramatically—from single digits in 2017 to over 260 in 2021—becoming a tool of war and social control used to intimidate, punish, and recruit, rather than primarily for ransom . The report is based on 35 field interviews across Burkina Faso and Mali. It illustrates how kidnappings targeting local officials and civilians undermine community cohesion and strengthen armed groups. The article calls for urgent recognition of this silent threat to integrate it into security responses and stabilization strategies across the region.

Security, Human Rights, Violence, Threat

In the interview “War on Jihadism: Mali and Burkina Faso Facing an Uncertain Future”, published on December 21, 2022, in Areion24 and featured in Les grands dossiers de Diplomatie (No. 71), Adib Bencherif, a political science professor and LIRIC director, outlines the "delicate" security situation in Mali and Burkina Faso. He chronicles ongoing clashes between jihadists (notably JNIM) and Malian forces supported by Wagner, highlighting abuses against Peul communities that fuel distrust in the State . Bencherif asserts there is little short-term hope, though there's slightly more optimism in Burkina, where the junta is seen as more pragmatic . This analysis warns of the states' limited capacity to halt jihadist expansion and calls for a reconsideration of security, political, and social responses.

Jihad, Terrorism, Counter terrorism