This report explores the impact of growing Internet use in the Sahel region, notably Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. The rise of social media users has exacerbated existing tensions and conflicts, with phenomena such as disinformation, radicalization and polarization. Despite this, digital access also offers opportunities to strengthen transparency and cohesion, and to prevent conflicts. Recommendations for a more inclusive and safe use of these digital spaces are proposed.

Governance, Social cohesion, Numérique, Radicalisation, Disinformation

The report “Protection Challenges in Prolonged Crisis Contexts and Fragile States in West Africa: Coordinating Responses Between Emergency and Development” explores the challenges related to protecting populations in fragile states in West Africa, particularly in the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea. It highlights the limits of current interventions by development donors, such as AFD, and proposes strategies to better prevent rights violations. The study analyzes protection approaches, such as integrating conflict sensitivity, adapting contractual frameworks for more flexibility and involving local actors. She recommends adopting tools such as contextual monitoring, community protection and strengthening local justice. The objective is to ensure a coordinated approach between humanitarian and development actors for more effective protection in protracted crisis contexts.

Economic Development, Security, Justice, Conflict, Development, Threat, Researh, Knowlege production, Crisis, Protection

The article “The State must reach out to young people who have great ambitions…” presents an interview with Djibril Maïga, promoter of the Agrotech Niger start-up. He underlines the importance for the State to support ambitious young entrepreneurs, particularly in the agricultural sector. Djibril Maïga highlighted the potential of agro-technology to transform agriculture in Niger and improve food security. He calls for increased collaboration between public authorities and young innovators to promote the economic and social development of the country. According to him, adequate institutional support is essential to enable youth initiatives to flourish and contribute significantly to national growth.

Governance, Agriculture, Youth, Food security, Institution, Entrepreneurship

The article “The Sahel: a new theater for global jihadist groups? by Atta Barkindo, published in March 2020 in Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyzes, examines the evolution of the Sahel as a fertile ground for global jihadist groups. Despite military offensives against Boko Haram, the region remains a focal point for groups linked to Al-Qaeda (AQ) and the Islamic State (IS). The author explores the history of links between Boko Haram and these organizations, highlighting the growing influence of ISIS in the region. It highlights the structural causes of this expansion, notably political instability, poverty, porous borders and intercommunity rivalries. The financing of terrorism through drug trafficking, cigarette smuggling and kidnapping for ransom strengthens their operational capacity. The article concludes on the need for a coordinated response between Sahelian governments and international partners to stem this growing threat.

State, Security, Conflict, Jihad, Terrorism, Political Violence, Education, Human security, Threat, Knowlege production

The article "Tramadol, medicine and drug for the poor in West Africa and the Sahel", written by Antonin Tisseron and published on October 12, 2017 by the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri), analyzes the rise of consumption of Tramadol in West Africa and the Sahel. Initially an opioid painkiller, it became a commonly taken drug due to its low cost and stimulating effects. Imported mainly from India and China, it is often sold in counterfeit form in doses well above pharmaceutical standards. This consumption has spread in various circles, notably among young people, manual workers and fighters of armed groups such as Boko Haram. The article highlights the health risks (dependence, convulsions, psychological disorders) as well as security issues. He calls for better regulation and awareness campaigns to limit the harmful effects of this substance.

Power, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Gold, Social, Soicial sciences, Illegal activity, Médicament

The article “After the Sahelian failure, rethinking the software of French policy in Africa” by Alain Antil and Thierry Vircoulon, published on April 10, 2024 by the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri), analyzes the failure of French strategy in the Sahel and its broader repercussions on Paris' African policy. After the breakdown of relations with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, France saw its influence collapse in the face of the rise of anti-French sentiment and the emergence of new partners such as Russia and China. The article identifies several contradictions in French policy: paternalism, the disconnection between analysis and political action, and the contradiction between migration policy and African diplomacy. It proposes a strategic repositioning, based on a realistic assessment of French interests in Africa, abandoning outdated approaches and integrating the new geopolitical realities of the continent.

Politics, Political party, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Jihad, Gold, Human security, Threat

It analyzes the sudden emergence of artisanal gold panning in northern Niger in 2014, following the discovery of gold deposits in the Djado valley, in Tchibarakaten and in the Aïr massif. These discoveries led to a gold rush involving many Nigerians and foreigners seeking their fortune. The article describes the main gold panning sites and their actors, examines the interactions between the state, traders and gold miners, and assesses the political, religious, economic, social and environmental consequences of this activity in the Agadez region. The authors emphasize that, although gold panning has brought unexpected economic activity in a difficult economic situation, it also generates effects largely uncontrolled by the government, particularly in terms of regulation and environmental impact.

Governance, Environment, Natural ressources, Gold

The article entitled “Mali-Niger: climate change and conflicts form an explosive cocktail in the Sahel”, published by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 2019, analyzes the interaction between climate change and intercommunity conflicts in Mali and Niger. Global warming is exacerbating historic tensions between herders and farmers, particularly arable land and making water resources more unpredictable. This situation worsens poverty, weakens public services and disrupts traditional livelihoods. Local populations, already facing underdevelopment, crime and violence, are pushed into difficult choices, such as migration or joining armed groups, to meet their needs. The ICRC highlights the need for a radically different approach to tackling these complex challenges in the Sahel.

Migration, Climate change, Natural ressources, Conflict, Poverty