This Policy Brief, written by Abdoul Sogodogo, analyzes the relationship between the Alliance of Sahel States (ESA) and ECOWAS. It highlights the tensions between these entities, emphasizing the perception of the ESA as a response to ECOWAS's perceived ineffectiveness in security matters. The author explores the history of subregional organizations and the motivations of Sahel states to create a specific alliance, particularly in the face of the terrorist threat. The document also discusses the security, diplomatic, and economic implications of this separation, while examining the prospects for collaboration. Although the exit of the ESA countries from ECOWAS seems inevitable, economic and security interdependence requires cooperation. The brief concludes that ECOWAS and the ESA must find collaborative mechanisms to ensure regional stability.

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

The report “Rethinking Disability in Senegal: Analysis of Norms and Discourses on Disability” by Dr. Annick Nganya Tchamwa and Pr Abdou Salam Fall analyzes the social representations of disability in Senegal through a qualitative study using Nvivo software. It highlights the social and cultural constructions that influence the perception of disability, often assimilated to mystical beliefs or transgressions of social norms. The study also explores forms of discrimination and stigmatization, particularly in religion, family, access to social services and employment. People with disabilities face many obstacles, including institutional exclusion and difficulties in social and marital integration. However, the article also highlights the resilience strategies put in place, such as self-acceptance and community participation.

Power, Inequality, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Family, Gold, Social, Discrimination, Disability

On December 2, 2024, the fifteenth legislature of Senegal was installed, marked by the election of El Malick Ndiaye as President of the National Assembly with 134 votes out of 165. Former Minister of Infrastructure and Land and Air Transport, Ndiaye is a member of the African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (PASTEF) party, which won 130 of the 165 seats in the legislative elections of November 17, 2024, with 54.97% of the vote. This election recorded a turnout of 49.72%, slightly higher than that of 2022 (46.6%), but lower than the presidential election of March 2024 (61%). This mobilization reflects the growing engagement of young people, representing nearly 38% of registered voters. The results reflect a desire for change and political renewal, with a more diverse National Assembly, both in terms of gender and professional backgrounds. However, challenges remain regarding the effective representation of all social classes and the realization of electoral promises in a demanding socio-economic context.

Political party, Political Power, Governance, Election

In Ziguinchor, southern Senegal, urban agriculture faces challenges posed by environmental changes and population growth. This article examines, through quantitative and qualitative observations and surveys, food resilience in the face of crises such as pollution, salinity and acidification. The results indicate a degradation of agricultural and natural spaces, reflecting a vulnerability linked to urbanization and the impoverishment of ecosystems. Certain nurturing spaces, endowed with cultural or religious value, encourage their preservation. Finally, a greening of agricultural practices is respected, although these initiatives are not yet fully supported by local authorities.

Agriculture, Environment, Urbanisation

The article analyzes health systems in West Africa and proposes actions to improve their efficiency. He noted the progress made, although hampered by conflicts and health crises like Ebola. States are struggling to finance their health systems, leading to inequalities in access to care. WATHI recommends five areas of action: strengthening prevention, training and better distributing health professionals, improving sector financing, optimizing the daily management of health infrastructures and developing research and regional cooperation. Emphasis is placed on the need for citizen and political commitment for sustainable reforms, taking into account the limited resources of the countries concerned.

State, Economic Development, Inequality, Religious education, Education, Development, Discrimination, Soicial sciences, Knowlege production, EMPLOYMENT

The article analyzes health systems in West Africa and proposes actions to improve their efficiency. He noted the progress made, although hampered by conflicts and health crises like Ebola. States are struggling to finance their health systems, leading to inequalities in access to care. WATHI recommends five areas of action: strengthening prevention, training and better distributing health professionals, improving sector financing, optimizing the daily management of health infrastructures and developing research and regional cooperation. Emphasis is placed on the need for citizen and political commitment for sustainable reforms, taking into account the limited resources of the countries concerned.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Education, Gold, Health, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

In Senegal, despite legislative progress in favor of gender parity, women remain largely under-represented in land governance bodies at the municipal level. This situation contrasts with their major contribution to agricultural production, particularly in food crops. Furthermore, although the principle of citizen participation is legally recognized, there is a lack of operational mechanisms allowing the effective involvement of local communities, particularly women, in land management. To remedy this exclusion, civil society organizations have developed tools aimed at promoting participatory and inclusive land governance. These initiatives encourage the establishment of joint local consultation frameworks and the strict application of parity in decision-making bodies. Administrative authorities are called upon to ensure respect for parity in state commissions, and the State, as well as parliamentarians, to legally recognize these gender-sensitive local governance tools.

Governance, Women, Civil Society, REAL ESTATE