The article discusses the critical issue of youth unemployment in West Africa and suggests five key strategies to address it. It emphasizes integrating job creation into public policies through tax incentives and public procurement criteria. Agriculture and livestock farming are identified as essential sectors for massive job generation. Enhancing youth employability requires education reform and stronger partnerships with the private sector. The article also advocates for revising labor laws to create a more flexible and inclusive framework. Lastly, increased investment in employment data collection is needed to guide economic policies effectively.

Politics, Political party, Power, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Gold, Researh, Knowlege production, EMPLOYMENT

The article “Youth and Countering Violent Extremism in Africa”, written by Medhane Tadesse and published by the African Security Sector Network (ASSN) in 2022, examines the radicalization of young people in Africa and their involvement in violent extremism. It is based on research commissioned by the International Development Research Center (IDRC) which analyzed young people's experiences of violence, exclusion and injustice in 12 African countries. The study highlights that policies to combat violent extremism (P/CVE) are often ineffective because they do not take into account the voices of young people and women. Emphasis is placed on including young people in public policies to strengthen community resilience and reduce their vulnerability to extremist groups. The article proposes alternative approaches based on social inclusion, civic engagement and the participation of local actors, rather than repressive approaches.

Security, Political Violence, Education, Youth, Human security, Violence, Threat, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

The article “Gender, violence and violent extremism in Africa” by Fredline M'Cormack-Hale, published by the African Security Sector Network (ASSN) in 2022, explores the link between gender, violence and violent extremism (VE) in Africa. It draws on 14 research projects in 12 African countries to understand why young people, including women, join or resist extremist groups. The study demonstrates that women are not only victims, but also actors of EV, playing various roles ranging from logistical support to direct participation in combat. Researchers emphasize the importance of inclusive policies adapted to local specificities, integrating women not only as beneficiaries, but also as stakeholders in strategies to combat extremism. The article also emphasizes the need for policies facilitating the reintegration of women who have left these extremist groups.

Gender, Security, Political Violence, Education, Human security, Violence, Threat, Soicial sciences, Knowlege production, EMPLOYMENT

The article "Turkey: drone diplomacy in the Sahel" by Bah Traoré, published on February 14, 2025 by WATHI, examines Turkey's growing influence in the Sahel. Ankara combines political diplomacy, economic exchanges and military assistance, with a focus on the use of drones to strengthen its presence in the region. This approach aims to compete with other powers such as France, Russia and the United States.

Governance, Military activity, Cooperation, Diplomacy

The article "The protection of foreign investments in the face of vulnerabilities in the Sahel" by Issiaka Guindo, doctoral student at the Sorbonne Doctoral School of Law, examines the legal and economic challenges facing foreign investments in the Sahel. This region, marked by political instability and insecurity, affects States' commitments in terms of investment protection. Despite these difficulties, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows have not been completely deterred, particularly in the natural resources sector such as gold in Mali and Burkina Faso. The article analyzes existing contractual and conventional clauses, in particular full security protection and compensation clauses for losses, while highlighting the limits of State exemption mechanisms (force majeure, state of necessity). The study concludes that although protection mechanisms exist, their implementation in a context of instability remains mixed.

Politics, Political party, Power, State, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Gold, Human security, Protection

The report explores local perceptions of security and development cooperation in West Africa, particularly in the Sahel, in the context of French interventions, such as Operation Barkhane. The rise of sovereignism and the contestation of the foreign military presence have accentuated the divide between the expectations of local populations and the actions of Western powers. The impact of the information war, particularly with Russia, and persistent insecurity have reinforced these tensions.

Sovereignty, Security, Cooperation, Françafrique

The article analyzes security tensions in Mauritania, exacerbated by frontal incidents, notably the kidnapping of Mauritanians in Mali. Despite these challenges, cooperation with neighbors, such as Morocco, and international support via NATO, aim to strengthen regional security. The article highlights initiatives to improve armed forces training and bilateral cooperation.

Governance, Security, Cooperation

The article describes the alarming situation in central Mali, where populations suffer from the violence of jihadist groups, abuses by Malian forces and community militias. Since 2012, jihadists, notably Katiba Macina, have destabilized the region, imposed rigid control and provoked intercommunal violence. Malian military actions have exacerbated the suffering, with summary executions and abuses. The report calls for state recovery and fair justice for victims.

Governance, Security, Jihad, Terrorism, Violence