The article "Burkina Faso: Arming civilians at the cost of social cohesion?" , published by the International Crisis Group in December 2023, analyzes Burkina Faso's strategy of recruiting and arming civilians, called Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP), to fight against jihadist insurgencies. Although these VDPs provide significant support to the armed forces through their knowledge of the terrain, their massive mobilization raises concerns about worsening community tensions and the accumulated exposure of civilian populations to reprisals from armed groups. The report highlights that, despite some victories achieved with the help of the VDP, this approach has not yet made it possible to restore peace and could lead to new forms of instability. It is therefore essential for the authorities to put in place measures to mitigate the potential negative effects of this strategy on social cohesion.

Governance, Security

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

The article titled "Links between Violent Extremism and Illicit Activities in Côte d'Ivoire," published by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in September 2023, examines the interactions between violent extremist groups and illicit activities in northern Côte d'Ivoire. Since 2016, the country has faced increasing threats from these groups, notably after the Grand-Bassam attack in March 2016 and the Kafolo attack in June 2020. These groups have infiltrated sectors such as the on-foot livestock economy and illegal gold panning to finance their operations, recruit personnel, and ensure their subsistence. The report emphasizes the importance of understanding these links to develop effective strategies aimed at depriving these groups of essential resources and strengthening regional cooperation with neighboring countries, including Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Mali.

Extremism, Gold, Violence, Illegal activity, Coopération régionale

The article The gender quota as a government technique in Burkina Faso: between change of instruments and political inertia, written by Abdoul K. Saidou and published in Afrique Contemporaine (n°275, 2023/1), analyzes the application and the limits of the gender quota policy in Burkina Faso. Despite the adoption in 2009 of a law imposing a quota of 30% of female candidates in municipal and legislative elections, its impact has remained limited. The article highlights the political resistance and circumvention strategies put in place by the parties, in particular the effect of these quotas. The 2020 reform, which introduced new incentive instruments (such as a financial bonus for parties respecting quotas), did not allow for significant representation of women. The author thus underlines the political inertia and the systemic obstacles which slow down the effective application of this policy.

Politics, Political party, State, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Mediation, Election, Gold, Social

This article explores the complex relationship between climate change and conflicts in the Sahel. Author Luca Raineri questions the often-assumed link between environmental degradation and the rise of terrorism in the region. Poorly designed programs, such as the Great Green Wall and anti-desertification measures, have sometimes worsened tensions by marginalizing local communities. Authoritarian environmental protection policies have enabled extremist groups to exploit local frustrations. The article advocates for inclusive approaches, based on nuanced socio-political analyses, to avoid ineffective one-size-fits-all policies. Participatory natural resource management is highlighted as a sustainable solution to mitigate conflicts and prevent terrorism.

Climate change, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Jihad, Political Violence, Human security, Violence, Threat, Knowlege production

This working paper examines the initiative of the three Sahel Alliance countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) to exit the CFA franc zone and establish a common currency. Although politically motivated, this initiative presents major economic risks, including inflation, currency devaluation, and a shortage of foreign exchange reserves. It highlights the potential short-term gains in competitiveness from devaluation, but acknowledges that structural transformations are unlikely. The article also examines the limited economic impact on regional partners such as ECOWAS and UEMOA, the potential disruption of migrant remittances, financial relations, and the minor economic effect on France.

Politics, Political party, Power, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Development, Gold, Aid

This report, titled "A Pandora's Box: Burkina Faso, Self-Defense Militias, and the VDP Law in the Fight Against Jihadism", authored by Antonin Tisseron and published by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) in 2021, examines the role of self-defense groups in Burkina Faso. It explores the rise of Koglweogo militias, Dozo hunters, and Da Nan Ambassagou, along with the establishment of Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP). While these groups address gaps in state security, they also present challenges such as escalating intercommunity violence and weakening the state’s monopoly on legitimate violence. The author stresses that the 2020 VDP law, although strategic, requires stronger implementation to prevent abuses and ensure lasting social cohesion.

State, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Political Violence, Gold, Military activity, Human security, Violence, Threat