This report presents the outcomes of a regional forum held in Dakar in November 2020, aimed at analyzing responses to violent extremism in the Sahel. It highlights the root causes of insecurity: poor governance, lack of basic services, social exclusion, and state-perpetrated violence. Four panels addressed the rule of law, institutional responses, human rights abuses, and peacebuilding. Recommendations emphasize the need for a holistic approach combining social justice, human security, and the active participation of women and youth. The report calls for institutional reform, acknowledgment of societal pluralism, and deeper community involvement in counter-radicalization efforts.

Governance, Security, Extremism, Human security, Violence, Radicalisation, Rule of law

The Afrikajom Center colloquium, held in Dakar from March 8–10, 2023, gathered experts, researchers, and political actors to reflect on the multifaceted crisis facing democracy in West Africa. Discussions highlighted growing authoritarianism (e.g., third terms, state capture, rollback of freedoms), weak institutions, corruption, and the exclusion of youth and women. Participants called for a democratic renewal rooted in African contexts: checks on presidential power, independent judiciary, civic participation, inclusive governance, constitutional reform, and strengthened accountability. The event emphasized the need to rethink governance amid security instability, military transitions, and institutional inefficiency. It advocated for rebuilding a generational social contract and supporting the rise of a more participatory, context-responsive African democracy fit for 21st-century challenges.

Governance, Democracy, Transition, Rule of law

The article explores the shortcomings of electoral democracy in Africa, often limited to formal processes with little impact on citizens' lives. It advocates for substantive democracy, focused on human dignity, reducing inequalities, and ensuring effective participation. The author highlights that post-electoral crises and armed conflicts, termed "new wars," weaken institutions and hinder democratic consolidation. He calls for rethinking the political contract by integrating inclusive policies and strengthening societal resilience against security challenges.

Governance, Inequality, Conflict, Democracy

The policy paper "Social Norms and Girls' Education" by the United Nations Girls' Education Initiative (UNGEI) examines the impact of social norms on girls' education in eight sub-Saharan African countries. The study identifies four major social norms hindering girls' education: child marriage, the low perceived value of girls' education, gender-based violence in schools, and domestic labor. These norms, reinforced by economic and sociocultural factors, limit girls' access to, participation in, and success at school. The report recommends transformative approaches, such as integrating gender equality into educational policies, community mobilization, and involving local leaders to change harmful social norms. It emphasizes the importance of gender-sensitive education to promote equality and empower girls.

Culture, Governance, Gender, Education, Inclusion, Equality

The article explores the link between natural resource exploitation and conflicts in Africa, highlighting that reliance on these resources has often led to armed violence and social inequalities. It advocates for a shift towards governance centered on intangible capital, emphasizing the importance of knowledge, innovation, and social justice. The author suggests that sustainable development in Africa should be based on empowering individuals through education and valuing indigenous knowledge, thereby reducing dependence on natural resources and promoting substantive democracy.

Governance, Natural ressources, Democracy, Social

This article highlights deficiencies in Senegal's budgetary oversight, as revealed by an audit from the Court of Accounts covering 2019–2023. The audit uncovered a 5.6 percentage point upward revision in the average budget deficit and an increase in public debt from 74.4% to 99.7% of GDP. These findings, corroborated by the IMF, underscore the urgency of strengthening public financial oversight institutions. The article advocates for greater independence of control bodies, systematic publication of their reports, and a culture of accountability. It emphasizes the crucial role of these institutions in ensuring budgetary transparency, investor confidence, and effective implementation of public policies.

Institution, Contrôle financier, Public debt, Transparency, Accountability

The article examines strategies adopted by Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal to ensure the availability of primary school teachers. In Burkina Faso, regionalized recruitment since 2003 aims for equitable distribution of teachers, though adjustments have been made due to social and union pressures. In Côte d'Ivoire, the Centres d'Animation et de Formation Pédagogique (CAFOP) train assistant teachers over three years, with a recruitment target of 6,600 teachers annually as per the 2016-2025 sector plan. In Senegal, the profession's appeal is based on accessibility (59%), job security (19%), promotion opportunities (14%), and length of school vacations (8%). These countries employ diverse approaches to address challenges related to the availability and retention of primary school teachers.

Education, Public Administration, Recruitment, Training

Mauritania's "National Digital Security Strategy 2022-2025," developed by the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Innovation, and Modernization of the Administration, aims to strengthen cybersecurity and combat cybercrime. Recognizing the growing reliance on digital technologies and associated threats, the strategy focuses on six strategic objectives:​ Establish institutions dedicated to digital security.​ Protect Mauritania's cyberspace and critical infrastructures.​ Enhance mechanisms to combat cybercrime.​ Raise awareness and provide training on cybersecurity issues.​ Promote national collaboration in digital security.​ Develop regional and international cooperation.​ The implementation of this strategy is overseen by the High Council for Digital (HCN), supported by the National Cybersecurity Agency. It aligns with the 2014 Malabo Convention on cybersecurity and personal data protection, to which Mauritania is a signatory.

Public Administration, Numérique, Cybercriminalité, Cybersecurity

The article by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, published on October 1, 2024, examines the southward advance of militant Islamist groups in Mali, intensifying threats around Bamako. Since the military coup in August 2020, security has deteriorated, with attacks within 150 km of the capital increasing from 3 in 2020 to a projected 34 in 2024. Deaths related to this violence in southern Mali are expected to double to 335 this year. Border areas with Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Senegal, and Mauritania are also under increased pressure. Simultaneously, human rights abuses attributed to Malian forces and Russian mercenaries have risen, with civilian deaths increasing from 84 in 2019 to a projected 1,044 in 2024. These violations undermine public trust and exacerbate community tensions. The article emphasizes the need for improved security sector governance and a transition to civilian rule to stabilize Mali and enhance regional cooperation.

Human Rights, Insécurité, Transition, Coopération régionale