The jihadist insurgency in the Sahel, initially imported, has become endogenized, rooted in local and social conflicts. Jihadist groups control vast territories and impose “indirect government”, based on sharia, terror and the protection of populations against bandits. Despite external interventions (Minusma, Barkhane, G5 Sahel), jihadist expansion continued. National armies, crucial to the fight, suffer from corruption, violence against civilians and the absence of a security strategy. Local militias, often ethnic, exacerbate tensions. The use of Russian forces (Wagner) in Mali has not reversed the dynamic. A profound reform of national armies, the eradication of corruption and better security of populations are essential to counter this threat.

Power, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Education, Gold, Human security, Threat, Researh, Knowlege production

The article The Salafization of Nigerien Society Against the State analyzes the evolution of Salafism in Niger and its impact on society and the State. Since the July 2023 coup, three major forces have been competing for political influence: the military, the jihadists and the Salafists. The latter, although less visible, have a growing influence by spreading a fundamentalist religious ideology. The article traces the history of relations between Islam and the State in Niger, highlighting how Salafization has transformed the social and public sphere. However, it has not yet directly entered the political arena. Salafism presents itself as an alternative to Western models and corrupt regimes, attracting young people in particular. The author highlights the complexity of the situation and the ambiguity of the relations between Salafism, the State and international actors.

Politics, Political party, Power, State, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Gold, Social, Civil Society

The article “When the community influences public authorities: women mobilized in West Africa” by Larissa Kojoué, published by the Population & Development Center (Ceped, Université Paris Cité – IRD), explores the way in which collective mobilizations of women in West Africa have influenced public policies in recent years. Through several examples (Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal, Ivory Coast), he highlighted collective actions that led to major political reforms, notably the criminalization of rape, the protection of young girls in school and the fight against sexist violence. The article emphasizes the role of African activists who, beyond international influences, have shaped their own movements with demands adapted to local realities. However, it also highlights persistent challenges, such as the regression of rights under political pressure, security crises and the influence of religious conservatism.

Politics, Political party, State, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Political Violence, Gold, Violence, Threat

The article "Pragmatic contexts and formalist contexts. A socio-anthropological perspective", written by Jean-Pierre Olivier de Sardan, explores the distinction between pragmatic (proximity) contexts and formalist (structural) contexts in social sciences. It shows that the social sciences mix contextualization and decontextualization according to their methods. Qualitative surveys, focused on local interactions, better reflect the complexity of the field than quantitative methods, which favor abstract indicators. The author criticizes social engineering and standardized intervention models, often developed without taking into account local contexts. He defends the importance of the agency of actors and advocates a gradual increase in generality, rather than an abstract and decontextualized generalization. The study of pragmatic contexts allows a better understanding of public policies and development projects, particularly in Africa.

Politics, Political party, Power, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Development, Gold, Social, Researh, Knowlege production

This report analyzes protection challenges in contexts of prolonged crises and fragility in West Africa. It focuses on the link between humanitarian and development interventions, assessing approaches adopted by AFD and other donors. The study covers Sahel and Gulf of Guinea countries, facing growing instability. It identifies challenges related to the lack of a clear definition of protection, insufficient coordination among actors, and rigid contractual frameworks. The study recommends systematically integrating conflict analyses, adopting multisectoral protection, and implementing flexible mechanisms to adapt interventions to local realities. It also advocates for strengthening the capacities of local actors and enhancing synergy between humanitarian and development stakeholders.

Politics, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Justice, Conflict, Development, Gold, Social, Crisis, Protection

This report examines protection challenges in contexts of prolonged crises and fragile states in West Africa, focusing on the link between emergency and development interventions. The study primarily covers the Gulf of Guinea countries (Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin), affected by increasing instability from the Sahel. It explores how AFD and other donors can adapt their approaches to effectively prevent human rights violations. The analysis is based on a literature review and expert interviews. Key findings include the lack of a clear definition of protection, the need to enhance coordination between humanitarian and development actors, and the importance of contractual flexibility to sustain interventions in fragile areas. The study recommends strengthening contextual analysis and integrated multisectoral protection approaches.

Economic Development, Natural ressources, Justice, Conflict, Development, Gold, Social, Threat, Crisis, Protection

The article analyzes the geopolitical transformations and multiple crises shaking the Sahel, marked by growing international actors such as Russia, Turkey and Iran. It highlighted the impact of these dynamics on the region's politics, security and economy, and the challenges related to governance. Although certain trends seem to please part of the population, they struggle to translate into concrete stability. The author offers recommendations for strengthened international cooperation and better governance.

Governance, Security, Cooperation, Crisis

The article analyzes the geopolitical transformations and multiple crises shaking the Sahel, marked by growing international actors such as Russia, Turkey and Iran. It highlighted the impact of these dynamics on the region's politics, security and economy, and the challenges related to governance. Although certain trends seem to please part of the population, they struggle to translate into concrete stability. The author offers recommendations for strengthened international cooperation and better governance.

Governance, Security, Cooperation, Crisis

Mindzie and published by the International Peace Institute in 2015, examines the challenges and opportunities related to women's and youth participation in governance and development in the Sahel. It highlights institutional, socio-cultural, and economic barriers that hinder their involvement. The author proposes seven key priorities, including capacity building, poverty reduction, improving the implementation of existing policies, and creating bridges between groups. The article emphasizes the role of women's and youth movements, the media, and the private sector in fostering inclusive governance. It also underscores the importance of the "Women, Peace, and Security" agenda and advocates for a multisectoral approach to sustainable development.

Governance, Gender, Youth, Political participation