The article, titled "NATO and Security Challenges in the Saharo-Sahelian Region in the Era of New Geopolitical Realities," analyzes the growing security challenges in the Saharo-Sahelian region, including the proliferation of terrorist groups, arms and drug trafficking, and political instability. Author Rabah Aynaou examines NATO's potential role in this area, considering new geopolitical dynamics. He suggests that NATO strengthen its cooperation with regional countries and organizations to enhance security and stability. The article also emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach, including economic and social development initiatives, to address the root causes of insecurity.

Governance, Security, Cooperation

The article "Climate change and human migration in Senegal: an approach in terms of vulnerability of the socio-ecological system", produced by Alassane Diallo and published in the journal Régulation in 2019, examines the impact of climate change on internal migration in the Senegal. The study reveals that climate change, especially when it manifests itself gradually, is generally not a direct cause of human migrations. It interacts with various socio-economic, cultural, demographic, political-institutional and environmental contextual factors, thus exacerbating the initial vulnerability of populations and influencing migratory processes. The author suggests that public policies should address both development issues, by tackling poverty and inequalities, and issues linked to the climate economy, in particular the physical and climatic vulnerability of populations through mitigation and adaptation measures.

Governance, Climate change, Vulnerability

The article entitled "Contemporary Gold Rush in the Sahara: Informal Gold Mining in Northern Niger", written by Abdoulkader Afane and Laurent Gagnol, analyzes the spectacular rise of informal gold mining in northern Niger since 2014, following the unexpected discovery of nuggets in this Saharan region. This gold rush has attracted tens of thousands of people, local and foreign, nomadic processors, rural and urban gold miners. Initially artisanal, mining has become increasingly mechanized, even industrial, while remaining largely informal and tolerated by the State. The authors identify three phases in this rush: the initial frantic race, stabilization around the veins and a trend towards the formalization of gold mining. They also highlight the social, economic, political, environmental and health issues associated with this phenomenon, comparing it to certain historical gold rushes, such as that of California in the mid-19th century.

Governance, Environment, Natural ressources, Gold

The article entitled "We don't even have access to electricity for classrooms yet...", published on December 31, 2024 on the WATHI website, presents an interview with Madame Kabore Fatilde Laetitia Ouedraogo, professor of general education colleges in Mathematics and Life and Earth Sciences in the commune of Boussé, in Burkina Faso. She addresses the major challenges facing the Burkinabe education system, including the lack of access to electricity in classrooms, which hinders the use of modern educational technologies. It also highlights the urgent need for appropriate teaching resources and continuing training for teachers to improve the quality of teaching. Ms. Ouedraogo calls for better involvement of local and national authorities in strengthening school infrastructure and promoting a learning environment adapted to contemporary realities.

Governance, Education, Infrastructures scolaires

The article titled "Il faut revoir le programme scolaire pour y intégrer l’histoire du Sénégal…" is an interview with Mamadou Souleymane Sy, a professor of Letters and History – Geography at the Lycée de Kassack, Saint Louis, Senegal. Published on December 20, 2024, by WATHI, the article highlights Mr. Sy's career, who has taught French, history, and geography at the Kassack Nord high school, after seven years of teaching at the elementary level in Dagana, in northern Senegal. Holder of a Master's degree in Geography from Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, he subsequently passed the recruitment competition for elementary education. The article emphasizes the importance of revising the school curriculum to integrate the history of Senegal, in order to strengthen national identity and understanding of cultural heritage among students.

Governance, Education

The article “Democratic decline in West Africa: Characteristics and solutions” by E. Gyimah-Boadi, published by the Kofi Annan Foundation in December 2021, analyzes the decline of democratic standards in West Africa. After notable progress in the 1990s, the region is experiencing a resurgence of authoritarianism, illustrated by attempts to extend presidential terms beyond constitutional limits and an increase in electoral violence. Internal factors include a persistent authoritarian political culture and ethnic divisions, while external factors include an international environment less favorable to democratization. Growing security challenges, such as violent extremism, exacerbate this situation. To reverse this trend, the article recommends strengthening democratic institutions, promoting citizen participation and improving governance to meet the aspirations of the populations.

Governance, Democracy, Election, Human Rights, Violence

The summary examines vulnerabilities and resilience factors in governance in Niger. Despite modernization reforms launched in 2013 to enhance public administration efficiency, structural issues persist: under-administration, politicization of public roles, and a lack of human and material resources. Decentralization and deconcentration are key levers, but their implementation faces obstacles such as weak coordination and territorial inequalities. Technical and financial partners play a structuring role, though sometimes to the detriment of national institutions. Public servants demonstrate resilience, maintaining essential services despite challenges. The summary advocates strengthening territorial reforms, improving local resource management, and fostering social ownership of public policies for more inclusive and effective governance.

State, Governance, Economic Development, Security, Education, Development, Human security, Knowlege production, EMPLOYMENT, Institution

The article entitled “What are the causes of the multidimensional crises affecting Mali and Burkina Faso?” », written by Jean-Marc Gravellini and published by the Institute of International and Strategic Relations (IRIS) on March 2, 2023, analyzes the origins of the complex crises affecting these two countries. The author identifies several contributing factors: Failures of economic policies: The economic strategies implemented have failed to improve the living conditions of populations, worsening poverty and unemployment. Socio-political crises: Growing discontent with the powers that be, perceived as corrupt and ineffective, has led to persistent political instability. Growing insecurity: The rise of armed groups and terrorist activities has worsened the security situation, making it difficult to maintain order and protect citizens. These interconnected elements have led to multidimensional crises, simultaneously affecting the economic, political and security spheres of Mali and Burkina Faso.

Governance, Insécurité, Instabilité