The article entitled "Audit of the Report on the Situation of Public Finances: Management from 2019 to March 31, 2024," published by the Senegalese Court of Auditors in February 2025, highlighted significant irregularities in the management of public finances during this period. Public debt was significantly underestimated, actually reaching 18,558.91 billion CFA francs, or 99.67% of GDP. In addition, more than 2,500 billion CFA francs were contracted in the form of bank debt outside the official budgetary circuit and without parliamentary validation, revealing a worrying lack of transparency. The budget deficit was also manipulated: while the former government announced a deficit of 4.9% of GDP for 2023, the Court of Auditors estimates it at 12.3%, a discrepancy of more than 2,291 billion CFA francs. The report also denounces expenditures made outside the public treasury circuit, transfers of funds to non-regulatory accounts and dubious sales of public assets. These practices distort the reality of Senegal's public finances and highlight the need for greater budget transparency and strict control of public debt to avoid an uncontrolled end.

Governance, Funding, Public debt, Transparency

On January 8, an attack by about twenty individuals near the Chadian presidency caused trouble in N’Djamena. The government quickly described the event as a simple attempt at destabilization with no connection to terrorism. The toll: 20 dead, including 18 attackers and 2 soldiers. At the same time, the withdrawal of French forces from Chad was completed on January 30 with the return of the Abéché and Adji Kosseï bases. President Mahamat Idriss Déby criticized Emmanuel Macron’s statements on African “ingratitude.” At the same time, Turkey is installing military drones on Chadian bases. On the political front, the ruling party, the MPS, won the legislative elections on December 29. Déby was appointed national president of the MPS, strengthening his control. The opponent Succès Masra surprised by expressing his openness to working with Déby, despite his party’s boycott of the elections.

Governance, Security, Military activity, Cooperation

This article examines the shortcomings of security sector reform (SSR) programs in Africa, which focus primarily on state institutions without sufficient consideration of local realities. The authors introduce the concept of hybridity to better understand the interaction between state and non-state actors that influence security governance on the continent. These often-overlooked informal actors play a crucial role in regulating security and justice. The article critiques the dominant Western-inspired state model and advocates for broader recognition of customary norms and alternative security networks. By adopting hybridity as an analytical tool, policymakers could rethink security policies to better integrate these complex dynamics, which are often underestimated in reform efforts. The article argues that recognizing and adapting to these hybrid governance structures would improve the effectiveness of security interventions in Africa.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Peace, Education, Gold, Human security, Institution

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 this article, Dr. Adamou Lagaré highlights the importance of national funding for scientific research in Niger. He argues that having such funding will allow researchers to focus more on specific national priorities, rather than aligning with the agendas of international donors. Dr. Lagaré highlighted that external funding is often directed towards themes that do not always correspond to local needs. He therefore advocates for an increase in national investment in research, in order to strengthen the country's scientific autonomy and better respond to Niger's health and socio-economic challenges.

Researh, Knowlege production, Politique publique, Scientific autonomy

In 2024, Côte d'Ivoire is going through a tumultuous political period, marked by electoral conflicts and growing uncertainty ahead of the presidential election scheduled for October 2025. The candidacy of the current president, Alassane Ouattara, as well as the intentions of opposition figures remain unclear. On December 31, 2024, Guillaume Soro, former president of the National Assembly in exile in Mali for six years following a conviction for attempted coup d'état, announced his candidacy for the presidency. On the same day, Alassane Ouattara declared the retrocession of the French military base of the 43rd Marine Infantry Battalion in Port-Bouët to the Ivorian armed forces, marking a significant step in the redefinition of Franco-Ivorian relations. These developments are increasing political uncertainty and diplomatic tensions in Côte d'Ivoire ahead of the elections.

Politics, Governance, Election, Diplomacy

The article titled "Togo: Senatorial elections in sight, feet in ECOWAS and hand extended to SSA," published by the Timbuktu Institute on February 25, 2025, examines Togo's geopolitical stance ahead of its first senatorial elections scheduled for February 2025. Togo, a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has expressed interest in joining the Sahel Alliance (SSA), an initiative aimed at strengthening security and development cooperation in the Sahel region. This move comes as the country faces jihadist incursions and has recently adopted a controversial constitutional reform, transitioning from a presidential to a parliamentary system. The article highlights that this reform has exacerbated internal political divisions. The upcoming senatorial elections will mark the full implementation of this political transition. The Constitutional Court has already published the final list of candidates for this election, which will take place shortly after the 20th anniversary of the death of former President Gnassingbé Eyadema.

Politics, Governance, Security, Jihad, Election

In 2024, Côte d’Ivoire experienced a turbulent political scene ahead of the presidential election scheduled for October 2025. Former National Assembly Speaker Guillaume Soro, exiled in Mali after a 20-year prison sentence for attempted coup d’état, announced his candidacy in an online address on December 31, 2024. On the same day, President Alassane Ouattara declared the retrocession of the French military base of the 43rd Marine Infantry Battalion in Port-Bouët to the Ivorian armed forces in January 2025, marking a turning point in defense relations with France. In addition, the leader of the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), Tidjane Thiam, expressed his ambition to transform the country into a prosperous and united nation. For his part, Laurent Gbagbo has affirmed his determination to be re-registered on the electoral lists to participate in the 2025 election, despite the loss of his civil rights due to a previous conviction. On the diplomatic front, tensions have arisen with Niger, accusing the Ivorian army of training Nigerien dissidents, allegations denied by Abidjan.

Political party, Political Power, Governance, Security, Election

In January 2025, Niger, alongside Mali and Burkina Faso, officially left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to join the Alliance of Sahel States (ESA). The move was widely welcomed by the Nigerien population, with thousands demonstrating in Niamey to express their support for the ruling junta. At the same time, the country faces ongoing security challenges, highlighted by the kidnapping of a 73-year-old Austrian aid worker in Agadez on 11 January. Although the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) was initially suspected, it has not denied any involvement in the act. In addition, there are growing concerns over citizens’ rights and freedoms, particularly following the arrest on 18 January of the editor-in-chief of the private channel Canal 3. These events highlight the complex challenges Niger faces in its quest for stability and security.

Governance, Security, Liberté