In this article published by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and featured by WATHI on March 13, 2024, author Mahamat Saleh Adoum warns of the growing trend of kidnappings in Chad, particularly in border areas with Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and Sudan. These acts, often carried out by transnational criminal groups and unidentified armed elements, severely impact local communities and threaten regional stability. The article emphasizes the lack of coordination among regional states and the absence of a structured security response. The author calls for stronger cross-border cooperation, reform of local governance structures, and increased support for affected populations. Without decisive action, this security crisis could evolve into a major regional threat.

Governance, Security, Crisis management, Crisis, Coopération régionale

This report by the Timbuktu Institute examines the growing threat of Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimīn (JNIM) in the tri-border area of Mali, Mauritania, and Senegal. The group expands its influence through violent operations, illicit economic activities (timber, livestock, mining), and ideological infiltration. Vulnerabilities in eastern Senegal—such as porous borders, youth unemployment, caste-based grievances, and the spread of Salafism—make it a potential target, despite the country’s current stability. The report highlights the resilience of Senegal, grounded in social cohesion, widespread religious moderation, effective and professional security forces, and local resistance to extremist narratives. It calls for strengthened border presence, enhanced cross-border cooperation with Mali and Mauritania, and increased involvement of local religious and traditional leaders to curb JNIM’s expansion strategy.

Security, Extremism, Radicalisation

Sudan's civil war, which erupted in April 2023, has led to the displacement of over one million refugees and returnees into eastern Chad, an area that is both remote and impoverished. This humanitarian crisis is placing immense strain on local resources and infrastructure. Intercommunal tensions are rising, particularly between Sudanese refugees and Chadian host communities, fueled by land disputes and ethnic rivalries. The presence of armed groups and the potential for regional destabilization are significant concerns. The article emphasizes the urgent need for a coordinated international response to support Chad, enhance border security, and prevent further escalation of the conflict.

Governance, Conflict, refugee, Crisis, Insécurité, Destabilization

The joint pastoral surveillance bulletin by Action Contre la Faim (ACF) and Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgium (VSF-B) for February–March 2025 reports an overall satisfactory pastoral situation in Niger. Pastures remain widely available, surface water is sufficient, and markets are accessible. However, livestock body condition has slightly declined and suspected cases of animal diseases persist, though less than in previous periods. Prices of livestock and cereals have decreased, leading to a mild deterioration in terms of trade for herders. Incidents of bushfires, livestock thefts, and inter-community conflicts have also declined. The report recommends increased vaccination, awareness campaigns on transhumance, and better youth engagement to sustainably manage pastoral resources. Efforts should focus on improving disease surveillance, supporting pastoral markets, and sharing strategic information across communities.

State, Boundary, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Education, Gold, Information, Marché

Niger is facing a complex humanitarian crisis characterized by insecurity, food shortages, epidemics, flooding, and high malnutrition rates. In 2025, 2.2 million people—8% of the population—are projected to be in acute food insecurity. Armed conflict, administrative barriers to humanitarian access, and the suspension of USAID funding are worsening the situation. Acute malnutrition remains alarming: 1.7 million children are expected to be affected, including 412,000 with severe acute malnutrition. The most impacted regions are Diffa, Tahoua, Maradi, and Tillabéri. ACF operates in these areas with an integrated, multisectoral approach including health, nutrition, WASH, and food security, with special focus on displaced populations and pastoralists. Despite strong impact, only 12% of the response needs are currently funded. The report calls for urgent, coordinated, and adequately resourced action to prevent a worsening of the crisis.

Natural ressources, Security, Education, Family, Food security, Gold, Human security, Information, Insécurité, Malnutrition

n 2025, Mauritania is experiencing a complex humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing insecurity, climate change, and a significant influx of 318,000 Malian refugees and 55,000 returning Mauritanians. During the lean season (June–September), an estimated 590,452 people will face acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3+), particularly in the Hodh Chargui region. While agro-pastoral conditions are generally favorable, localized floods and high food prices are straining vulnerable households. Action Against Hunger's emergency response has improved food diversity, coping strategies, and key nutritional indicators. Despite being a socioeconomic pillar, pastoralism is increasingly threatened by environmental degradation and cross-border pressures. Stronger partner support is crucial to prevent conflicts and build long-term resilience.

Gender, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Food security, Gold, Human security, refugee, Information, Malnutrition, Emergency

The February–March 2025 pastoral surveillance bulletin highlights growing pastoral challenges in Senegal. Vegetation cover remains low in the north and south, with significant shortages in Saint-Louis, Louga, and Matam. While water resources are generally adequate, pasture conditions are poor in several areas. Livestock body conditions are mostly fair to good, but deteriorate in critical zones. Animal disease outbreaks, livestock mortality, and extensive bushfires—especially in Tambacounda—are reported. Markets remain accessible, yet livestock and cereal prices, particularly rice, are on the rise, increasing pastoralist vulnerability. Cases of theft and farmer-herder conflicts are also noted. The report urges strengthening resource governance, veterinary surveillance, fire prevention, and awareness on sustainable transhumance.

State, Pastoralism, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Human security, Social, Researh

The article analyzes the escalating tensions between Mali and Algeria, highlighted by the March 31, 2025 incident where a Malian drone was shot down by the Algerian army in Tinzawatene. This border area, historically sensitive, has become a focal point of strategic rivalries, especially following the withdrawal of MINUSMA and Mali's recapture of Kidal. Mali has reclassified former rebel groups, once partners in the Algiers Accord, as terrorist organizations, signaling a break in the peace process. Algeria, mediator of the accord, views these actions as a marginalization of its role and a threat to its security, particularly as Russia expands its influence in Mali. Tinzawatene thus symbolizes a new diplomatic and security fracture, challenging regional balances and cross-border cooperation.

Governance, Boundary, Security, Crisis management, Diplomacy, International cooperation

Since April 15, 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a civil war between the national army, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemetti). While Sudanese women are often portrayed solely as victims—especially of sexual violence systematically used as a weapon of war—the article advocates for a broader acknowledgment of their multifaceted roles. Many women have taken up arms or become activists advocating for justice and peace. The dominant narrative that confines them to victimhood silences their agency and reinforces their political marginalization. Yet, their participation in rebuilding Sudan is critical. The article calls for a deconstruction of reductive gendered perceptions in conflict to ensure women’s inclusion in peacebuilding and governance.

Politics, Governance, Conflict, Women, Violence, Discrimination, Marginalisation, Food insecurity