In 2024, the number of forcibly displaced people in Africa reached a record high, exceeding 45 million, a 14% increase from the previous year. The majority (over 34 million) are internally displaced. The Sudan emerged as the epicenter of the crisis, with 12.6 million displaced due to fighting between the army and Rapid Support Forces. Other severely affected countries include the DR Congo, Somalia, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Mali, and Cameroon. Primary causes include armed conflicts, state repression (notably in Eritrea and Rwanda), regional instability, and acute food insecurity. The report emphasizes the growing interlinkage between security and humanitarian crises and calls for greater international support to address the complex political and humanitarian challenges across the continent.

Natural ressources, Security, Peace, Conflict, Political Violence, Gold, Human security, Violence, Threat, Civil Society

This report documents the sharp rise in disinformation campaigns across Africa—from 50 in 2022 to 189 in 2024—with nearly 60% sponsored by foreign state actors, chiefly Russia, China, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. West Africa is the most targeted region, with 72 campaigns, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These campaigns aim to shape political narratives, undermine democracy, support military coups, and discredit international institutions. Russia-linked networks, including Wagner, have been central in the Sahel. The report also highlights increasing domestic disinformation, notably during Kenya’s 2022 and Nigeria’s 2023 elections, as well as growing involvement of Islamist militant groups. Disinformation is spreading rapidly due to social media use and declining press freedom, posing a significant threat to stability, civil rights, and democratic governance across the continent.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Education, Gold, Social, Influence, Infowar, Information

In 2024, violence by Islamist militant groups in Africa caused an estimated 18,900 deaths, with the Sahel, Somalia, and the Lake Chad Basin most affected. The Sahel alone accounted for 55% of the total fatalities, notably in Burkina Faso, which has become the epicenter of insurgent activity. The JNIM coalition (linked to AQIM) is responsible for the majority of attacks. Alarmingly, more civilians were killed by Sahelian security forces and their Russian allies than by militants. Violence is rising in Niger, Togo, and Benin, while Somalia, despite a decrease in deaths, remains impacted by Al Shabaab and the Islamic State. Mozambique and North Africa have also seen renewed increases. The report warns that actual figures may be underreported due to media repression. The data illustrates the persistence and adaptability of militant operations across the continent.

Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Political Violence, Gold, Human security, Violence, Threat

In response to the worsening crisis in the Sahel—characterized by increased violence, mass population displacements, and the closure of thousands of schools—the Sahelian civil society, supported by international partners, launched the Citizen Coalition for the Sahel. This initiative aims to promote an inclusive, people-centered approach to resolving ongoing conflicts. The coalition is structured around four citizen pillars: the protection of civilians, the fight against impunity, addressing humanitarian emergencies, and promoting sustainable political solutions. It calls for close collaboration between states, international organizations, and local communities, particularly in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, to restore trust between populations and their governments and to build lasting peace.

Governance, Peace, Justice, Crisis management, Crise humanitaire

The Pastoral Surveillance Bulletin for Northern Côte d'Ivoire (No. 2, Dec. 2024 – Jan. 2025) provides insights into pastoral dynamics in Bounkani and Tchologo regions. While pasture resources are generally sufficient, pressure has increased due to the influx of refugees, cross-border herd movements, and forced relocations. Livestock body condition is fair, with notable deterioration among large ruminants. Animal disease cases are rising. Farmer-herder conflicts and cattle thefts have intensified, alongside growing insecurity. Livestock prices remain low compared to cereals, weakening pastoralists' purchasing power. Despite market accessibility, the scarcity of fodder and veterinary services compounds vulnerabilities. The bulletin recommends improved coordination among state actors, NGOs, and local communities to support resilience, manage tensions, and protect livelihoods.

State, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Education, Gold, Human security, Social, Researh

This Policy Brief from the Gorée Institute examines the root causes of state fragility in the Sahel (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger) and outlines practical strategies for rebuilding resilient institutions. It highlights the dominance of the executive branch, institutional weaknesses, lack of political legitimacy, social inequalities, climate change, and insecurity as core drivers of collapse. The brief proposes a comprehensive reform agenda focused on democratic governance (institutional balance, judicial independence) and good governance (decentralization, transparency, and poverty reduction). It emphasizes the need for an integrated approach combining institutional reform, inclusive development, regional cooperation, and citizen engagement to restore state legitimacy and stability in the Sahel.

Politics, Political party, Power, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Gold, Human security, Social, Institution

Published in The Journal of Climate Change and Health, this paper examines the intensifying impacts of climate change in West Africa’s Sahel region, focusing on countries such as Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Cameroon, Mauritania, and Senegal. Rising temperatures, desertification, erratic rainfall, and flooding are exacerbating competition over land and water, escalating violent conflict, and triggering mass displacement. Over 13 million people are now internally displaced across the region. Urban and rural populations alike face growing food insecurity, water scarcity, health service gaps, and significant mental health burdens. The paper calls for integrated climate adaptation policies, improved protection of displaced populations, conflict prevention strategies, and enhanced regional cooperation. It also highlights the urgent need for further research and investment to strengthen resilience and prevent humanitarian crises

Climate change, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Political Violence, Human security, Violence, Threat, Soicial sciences, Knowlege production

This report by the Gorée Institute highlights the critical role of women in strengthening democracy in the Sahel. Coinciding with International Women's Rights Day, the institute emphasizes that women are essential strategic partners in peace processes and governance. The document advocates for increased female participation in political processes, systematic gender considerations in public policies, and the empowerment of young women as catalysts for sustainable change. It underscores the necessity of recognizing and enhancing women's roles in addressing political crises and democratic challenges in the Sahel region.

Governance, Gender, Democracy, Women, Political participation

In this publication by the Gorée Institute (March 17, 2025), author Mouhamadou Naby Baldé examines the prospects for successful political and security integration following the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS and their regrouping under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The article analyzes the motivations behind the withdrawal—particularly the perceived hostility of ECOWAS towards military regimes—and highlights the community’s internal weaknesses, including slow decision-making, lack of shared vision, and leadership concentration. However, the AES remains a fragile bloc, facing diplomatic isolation and security threats. The author advocates for a reformed ECOWAS that could become a space for genuine regional convergence and shared sovereignty, while leaving open the door for a potential return of AES countries under improved conditions.

Sovereignty, Governance, Security, Coopération régionale