The research report “From “all security” to diplomatic dialogue: should we consider negotiated stability in the Sahel? » by Baba Dakono, published in January 2022 by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), examines the security situation in the Sahel, particularly in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. It highlights the ineffectiveness of military responses and the growing interest in negotiations with armed groups. The study highlights that fragile states in the region fail to integrate border zones into their national policies, which favors the rise of extremist groups. Despite international interventions (Barkhane, MINUSMA, G5 Sahel), violence persists and calls for political solutions are growing louder.Local dialogues already exist but remain limited due to a centralized approach. The study recommends a holistic dialogue approach, involving all stakeholders, to achieve lasting peace.

Natural ressources, Security, Peace, Political Violence, Mediation, Gold, Human security, Violence, Threat, Dialogue

The article highlights the alarming humanitarian crisis plaguing West Africa, notably in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, where armed groups are carrying out violent attacks, forcing thousands of people to flee. These attacks have led to massacres, destruction and massive displacement, worsening an already fragile situation due to climate change and food insecurity. Since March 2024, more than 67,000 Burkinabè have sought refuge in neighboring countries such as Mali, Togo, Ivory Coast and Ghana. As of August 2024, 5.45 million people were displaced in the Sahel region. The article also discusses the devastating impact of floods in Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad, which are making access to essential resources even more difficult. The situation of refugees and internally displaced people remains critical.

Climate change, Violence, Crise humanitaire, Food insecurity

On January 25, 2024, the military authorities of Mali announced the end of the Algiers Agreement, signed in 2015 with armed groups in the North, notably the Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA). This agreement aimed to pacify the country through increased decentralization and the integration of ex-rebels into the army. However, its implementation has been slow and incomplete, with only 30% of the provisions applied in 2022. The breakdown of the agreement risks worsening the security crisis in Mali, where clashes between the army and armed groups are intensifying. Algeria, the main mediator, is accused of hostility, while the international community struggles to play its role as guarantor. Tensions between armed groups and the ruling junta could lead to an escalation of violence and endanger the stability of the region.

Governance, Security

The article “Youth and Countering Violent Extremism in Africa”, written by Medhane Tadesse and published by the African Security Sector Network (ASSN) in 2022, examines the radicalization of young people in Africa and their involvement in violent extremism. It is based on research commissioned by the International Development Research Center (IDRC) which analyzed young people's experiences of violence, exclusion and injustice in 12 African countries. The study highlights that policies to combat violent extremism (P/CVE) are often ineffective because they do not take into account the voices of young people and women. Emphasis is placed on including young people in public policies to strengthen community resilience and reduce their vulnerability to extremist groups. The article proposes alternative approaches based on social inclusion, civic engagement and the participation of local actors, rather than repressive approaches.

Security, Political Violence, Education, Youth, Human security, Violence, Threat, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

The article “Gender, violence and violent extremism in Africa” by Fredline M'Cormack-Hale, published by the African Security Sector Network (ASSN) in 2022, explores the link between gender, violence and violent extremism (VE) in Africa. It draws on 14 research projects in 12 African countries to understand why young people, including women, join or resist extremist groups. The study demonstrates that women are not only victims, but also actors of EV, playing various roles ranging from logistical support to direct participation in combat. Researchers emphasize the importance of inclusive policies adapted to local specificities, integrating women not only as beneficiaries, but also as stakeholders in strategies to combat extremism. The article also emphasizes the need for policies facilitating the reintegration of women who have left these extremist groups.

Gender, Security, Political Violence, Education, Human security, Violence, Threat, Soicial sciences, Knowlege production, EMPLOYMENT

The article entitled “The G5 Sahel is dead, long live the Sahelo-Atlantic G7: securing development to develop security”, written by Abdelhak Bassou and published on February 6, 2025 by the Policy Center for the New South, analyzes the dissolution of the G5 Sahel and proposes the creation of a G7 Sahelo-Atlantic alliance to strengthen security and development in the region. The G5 Sahel, formed in 2014 by Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad, aimed to fight terrorism and promote development. However, successive coups and political differences led to the withdrawal of several members, leading to the paralysis of the organization. To remedy this situation, the author proposes forming a Sahelo-Atlantic G7 alliance which would include the initial G5 countries, Morocco and Senegal. This new alliance would aim to combine security efforts with economic development initiatives, leveraging access to the Atlantic Ocean to facilitate trade and strengthen regional cooperation.

Governance, Security, Coopération régionale