The Pastoral Surveillance Bulletin No. 33 (June–July 2025), published by Action Against Hunger (ACF), reports a gradual improvement in pastoral conditions with the onset of the rainy season across the Sahel. Vegetation growth and water replenishment have enhanced forage and watering availability. Livestock body condition is assessed as fair, with some reported animal diseases but no major outbreaks. Cattle movements remain limited, though some returns and forced displacements continue due to insecurity. Cereal and livestock prices have slightly increased, resulting in unfavorable terms of trade for herders. The report also highlights the persistent vulnerability of displaced households and the need for stronger support to the pastoral sector.

State, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Education, Gold, Human security, Vulnerability, water

The Pastoral Surveillance Bulletin No. 36 (August–September 2025), published by Action Against Hunger – Mali Mission, provides an overview of pastoral conditions in Gao and Timbuktu regions. Seasonal rains have improved pasture availability, vegetation cover, and livestock health, easing tensions between herders and farmers. Access to water remains satisfactory on 61% of monitored sites. However, security challenges persist, with continued livestock thefts and extortion by armed groups. Market exchange terms remain unfavorable to herders, and institutional support for the pastoral sector is limited. The report calls for strengthening veterinary services, conflict prevention mechanisms, and sustainable management of rangeland resources to improve livelihoods and food security in northern Mali.

State, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Human security, Knowlege production, Marché, water

The Mauritania Pastoral Surveillance Bulletin No. 36 (August–September 2025), published by Action Against Hunger (ACF), reports generally favorable pastoral conditions due to continued rainfall during the season. Pastures and water points are well replenished in most wilayas, improving livestock body condition. However, some areas still experience localized forage deficits, particularly in Hodh El Chargui and Gorgol. Animal diseases remain under control with no major outbreaks reported. Livestock prices remain high, while cereal prices continue to rise, leading to unfavorable terms of trade for herders. The report highlights the importance of strengthening animal health monitoring and promoting sustainable management of pastoral resources.

State, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Human security, Social, Information, water

This note reviews the September 5, 2023 judgment of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Ligue ivoirienne des droits de l’homme and Others v. Côte d’Ivoire (App. No. 041/2016), arising from the Probo Koala toxic waste dumping in Abidjan (Trafigura). The Court found five violations by Côte d’Ivoire: right to an effective remedy, right to life, right to health, right to a satisfactory environment, and right to information. It clarifies states’ positive obligations (prevention, protection, investigation, redress), links them to the Bamako Convention and regional environmental norms, and underscores corporate responsibility under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights while holding the state primarily responsible. Remedies include establishing a victims’ compensation fund, providing medical and psychological care, and adopting legislative and institutional reforms (civil/criminal corporate liability, hazardous-waste bans, capacity building).

Governance, Security, Human Rights

The August–September 2025 Multisectoral Monitoring Bulletin by Action Against Hunger – Mali Mission presents an overview of the humanitarian, agricultural, and health situation in Timbuktu and Taoudéni regions. Pasture and hydrological conditions have improved, but agricultural performance remains uneven: Timbuktu almost met its targets, while Taoudéni lagged behind due to low rainfall. Livestock epidemics are under control, yet malnutrition and malaria cases have increased. Over 20,000 animals were vaccinated, and health centers recorded 7,064 cases of acute malnutrition in Timbuktu and 1,006 in Taoudéni. The Niger River’s rising water level disrupted fishing activities. Security conditions remain volatile, with armed group pressure and internal displacements persisting. The report urges stronger measures in security, health, agriculture, and resilience building to support affected populations.

Culture, State, Agriculture, Economic Development, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Family, Gold, Human security, Malnutrition, water

The article Managing Election Violence and Sustaining Peace and Security in West Africa, authored by Professor Charles Ukeje and Dr. Wale Olusola, explores the persistent issue of electoral violence and its impact on peace and democratic consolidation in West Africa. Published in November 2023 by the Building Blocks for Peace Foundation (BBFORPEACE) and GPPAC West Africa, the paper argues that elections—meant to strengthen democracy—often fuel insecurity. It highlights both structural (poverty, unemployment, exclusion) and immediate (hate speech, manipulation, external influence) causes of electoral violence. The authors recommend returning to civilian rule, promoting peace education, reforming political parties, and enhancing collaboration among ECOWAS, civil society, and development partners. The report underscores that inclusive and peaceful elections are essential to sustaining regional stability and democratic governance.

Gender, Security, Peace, Justice, Conflict, Political Violence, Election, Human security, Violence, Threat

The 2025 Mid-Season Regional Biomass Bulletin by Action Against Hunger (ACF) provides an overview of agro-environmental conditions across the Sahel and West Africa. It reports that overall biomass production is average to good, except in specific zones of Mali, Niger, Chad, and northern Burkina Faso where vegetation remains below normal. Irregular rainfall and uneven temporal distribution have delayed the agricultural season in several pastoral regions, affecting pasture regeneration and water availability for livestock. The bulletin warns of potential rapid degradation of natural resources and emphasizes the need for continuous agro-pastoral monitoring through the end of the season to prevent food and livelihood crises.

Economic Development, Pastoralism, Natural ressources, Security, Development, Gold, Poverty, Human security, Vulnerability, Researh, Knowlege production

This article highlights the role of Professional Military Education (PME) institutions in fostering professional, apolitical African armies committed to constitutional defense and democratic governance. The urgency to strengthen PME has grown amid rising military politicization and a wave of coups since 2020 (Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Sudan). Africa hosts over 118 military schools, including War Colleges, Staff Colleges, and Military Academies across the continent. However, the mere existence of these institutions does not guarantee stronger professionalism: their impact depends on curriculum quality, democratic values integration, and robust civil-military relations. Surveys show young African officers hold strong ideals of public service, but these must be reinforced by tailored, context-sensitive training. The article stresses that not all countries require costly war colleges; regional cooperation can fill gaps. Strengthening PME is presented as a key step to professionalize African militaries and support democratic transitions.

Politics, Political party, Power, State, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Gold, Human security, Threat

The article highlights the growing strategic importance of space collaboration in Africa. Satellites and space technologies already contribute significantly to security (border surveillance, tackling illegal fishing, disaster prevention), the economy (telecommunications, precision agriculture, urban planning), and social development (e-learning, telemedicine, bridging the digital divide). However, fragmented national initiatives limit overall efficiency. The author underscores the pivotal role of the African Space Agency (AfSA), inaugurated in April 2025, in harmonizing policies, pooling infrastructure, and strengthening continental and international cooperation. Partnerships with the European Union, China, Russia, and the United States are seen as capacity-building tools, but African ownership must remain central. Space is framed not as a luxury but as a strategic necessity for sovereignty, food security, and climate resilience. The article calls for coordinated investments, private-sector inclusion, and citizen engagement to make space a driver of African integration and sustainable development.

Politics, Political party, State, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Development, Gold, Human security