This article analyzes the transformation of migration regimes in Central Sahel, especially in Niger, a country historically sidelined in migration studies. It details the rise of "transit" as a dominant migration regime from the 2000s, driven by international governance and EU externalization policies. Institutionalized through law (notably the 2015-36 anti-smuggling law), migration in Niger became increasingly criminalized and controlled. However, recent dynamics—including Sahelian crises (armed conflict, forced displacements), the 2023 repeal of migration laws, the growth of intra-African mobility recognized in Niger’s 2020 National Migration Policy, and the expansion of humanitarian infrastructure—challenge this framework. The Sahara now functions as a “trap space” for migrants, marked by constrained mobility, violence, and legal uncertainty. The article ultimately calls for a reconceptualization of transit not as passage or blockage, but as precarious, multi-directional movement shaped by both national policy shifts and regional instability.

Governance, Migration, Boundary

In contexts of insecurity, qualitative research requires constant "adaptations," encapsulated by the phrase "the field dictates." This article explores ethnographic approaches that diverge from traditional methods, drawing on collaborative research conducted in Niger's Liptako-Gourma region—a transborder area between Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, and the epicenter of insecurity since 2015. Inspired by Michel de Certeau's concept of "tactics," the author employs "adaptation" to analyze practices in qualitative research under insecure conditions. Ethnographic constraints are viewed not as insurmountable obstacles but as opportunities to develop new methods while maintaining scientific rigor. These adaptations involve variations in usage and room for maneuver, influenced by the specific relationships between the researcher and the subject of study. The analysis of "ways of doing" encompasses both practical and ethical dimensions, as conducting research in insecure contexts leads to sensitive responses laden with emotions, discomfort, and empathy, which in turn influence knowledge production.

Knowlege production, Insécurité, Ethnography, Qualitative research

Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi’s report explores France’s military strategy against jihadist groups, particularly in the Sahel, revealing a lack of transparent legal justification. Unlike the U.S., which has openly articulated legal frameworks for its war on terror, France maintains silence, although its strategic documents and actions imply an extensive interpretation of international law. The author argues that France mirrors U.S. legal narratives by stretching the boundaries of jus ad bellum and jus in bello to legitimize ongoing military operations. Drawing on French parliamentary records and strategic reports, the paper highlights how France frames its fight as a generalized and indefinite war against jihadist groups. This implicit legal approach allows France to operate across borders and time without explicit legal constraint. Mignot-Mahdavi warns that such legal ambiguity normalizes endless conflict and undermines accountability, challenging the international rule of law.

Governance, Security, Terrorism, Counter terrorism, Crise humanitaire

In this episode, hosts Enrica Picco and Rinaldo Depagne discuss with Jean-Pierre Olivier de Sardan, a Franco-Nigerien anthropologist, and Jean-Hervé Jezequel, Sahel Project Director at International Crisis Group, to assess the first year of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). They address the ongoing deterioration of the security situation in the central Sahel, exemplified by the September 17, 2024 attack in Bamako. The guests examine the similarities and differences in the new forms of governance emerging in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as well as the consequences of breaking ties with Western partners and turning to new international allies.

Governance, Security

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

The article "Strengthening Sahelian Counterinsurgency Strategy", authored by Michael Shurkin and published by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies on August 8, 2022, examines the surge in militant Islamist violence in the Sahel, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. It highlights the inadequacy of current strategies against local insurgencies employing irregular tactics. The author advocates for a population-centric counterinsurgency approach, involving the restructuring of armed forces into lighter, more mobile, and integrated units, supported by enhanced logistical and aerial capabilities. Building positive relationships with local communities is deemed essential to diminish support for insurgents. The article also recommends complementing military actions with initiatives aimed at improving living conditions, justice, and the rule of law.

Security, Jihad, Violence

Thirty years after the Beijing Declaration, this report highlights the continued marginalization of African women with disabilities in public policy and feminist movements. Despite legal frameworks like the CRPD and the African Disability Protocol, implementation remains weak. Based on consultations with 244 women across 23 countries, the report reveals deep-rooted, intersectional discrimination: extreme poverty, specific forms of gender-based violence, political underrepresentation, economic exclusion, and barriers to healthcare and education. Most policies lack an intersectional lens and disaggregated data, limiting effective action. This participatory report calls for the recognition of disabled women as change-makers and provides concrete recommendations for their full inclusion. It emphasizes the urgency of integrating their voices in decision-making spaces to achieve genuine gender equality.

Health, Violence, Discrimination, Inclusive education, Inclusion, Socio-economic integration

The report “Climate Change, Development and Security in the Central Sahel”, published in June 2021, explores how climate change impacts development and security in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. It highlights the links between climate stress, food insecurity, human mobility, and conflict. Climate change exacerbates existing vulnerabilities such as poverty, inequality, armed group proliferation, and social tensions. The study argues that current responses, often overly focused on militarised security, fail to address local realities. Instead, it recommends integrated and context-sensitive strategies to enhance resilience. These include supporting sustainable livelihoods, acknowledging mobility as a coping mechanism, and reinforcing local conflict-resolution systems. The report also advocates for more coherent European and international policies that align climate adaptation with peacebuilding and development goals.

Economic Development, Climate change, Security, Conflict, Education, Development, Food security, Human security, Threat, Knowlege production

The article titled “Defending the Village and Fighting for the Land: Armed Mobilization of Self-Defense Groups and Agricultural Labor in the Dogon Country, Central Mali” by Ibrahima Poudiougou, published in 2024 in the Revue internationale des études du développement, examines how armed self-defense groups affect rural communities in central Mali. Focusing on the June 8, 2022 attack on Makou village—where 350 jihadists displaced 422 households—the author explores how the rise of militias like Dan Nan Ambassagou has normalized violence and reshaped local sociopolitical dynamics. The article highlights the dual identity of these fighters, who are both peasants and combatants, managing agricultural work alongside armed resistance. It also delves into kinship-based solidarities and local agreements, which structure resistance and power relations in the Dogon region. The study offers insights into the complex intersection of security, rural livelihoods, and community resilience in conflict settings.

Governance, Agriculture, Security, Violence, Groupes armés non étatiques, Selfdefense