Olivier Corten's article, published by the Group for Research and Information on Peace and Security (GRIP) on October 9, 2023, analyzes the political crisis in Niger following the coup d'état of July 26, 2023 which overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum. It examines the international reaction, notably that of ECOWAS, which considered military intervention to restore constitutional order. The author highlights the legal limits of the use of force according to international law, recalling that the UN Charter prohibits any military intervention without authorization from the Security Council. He emphasizes that neither the ECOWAS legal framework nor a possible call for help from Bazoum justifies legitimate intervention. Finally, he warns of the risks of regional fragmentation and the dangerous precedent that could represent such action.

State, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Education, Gold, Human security, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

The article "The protection of foreign investments in the face of vulnerabilities in the Sahel" by Issiaka Guindo, doctoral student at the Sorbonne Doctoral School of Law, examines the legal and economic challenges facing foreign investments in the Sahel. This region, marked by political instability and insecurity, affects States' commitments in terms of investment protection. Despite these difficulties, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows have not been completely deterred, particularly in the natural resources sector such as gold in Mali and Burkina Faso. The article analyzes existing contractual and conventional clauses, in particular full security protection and compensation clauses for losses, while highlighting the limits of State exemption mechanisms (force majeure, state of necessity). The study concludes that although protection mechanisms exist, their implementation in a context of instability remains mixed.

Politics, Political party, Power, State, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Gold, Human security, Protection

The article analyzes security tensions in Mauritania, exacerbated by frontal incidents, notably the kidnapping of Mauritanians in Mali. Despite these challenges, cooperation with neighbors, such as Morocco, and international support via NATO, aim to strengthen regional security. The article highlights initiatives to improve armed forces training and bilateral cooperation.

Governance, Security, Cooperation

The article describes the alarming situation in central Mali, where populations suffer from the violence of jihadist groups, abuses by Malian forces and community militias. Since 2012, jihadists, notably Katiba Macina, have destabilized the region, imposed rigid control and provoked intercommunal violence. Malian military actions have exacerbated the suffering, with summary executions and abuses. The report calls for state recovery and fair justice for victims.

Governance, Security, Jihad, Terrorism, Violence

On December 31, 2024, Burkina Faso saw the formation of a new government under Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo to combat insecurity and terrorism, after deadly attacks in the north of the country. The government announced the creation of rapid intervention battalions to reconquer areas controlled by terrorists. The country faces a rise in kidnappings and internal political tensions, exacerbated by the dissolution of Traoré's previous government, which maintained the fight against terrorism as a main priority.

Governance, Security, Terrorism

On December 31, 2024, Burkina Faso saw the formation of a new government under Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo to combat insecurity and terrorism, after deadly attacks in the north of the country. The government announced the creation of rapid intervention battalions to reconquer areas controlled by terrorists. The country faces a rise in kidnappings and internal political tensions, exacerbated by the dissolution of Traoré's previous government, which maintained the fight against terrorism as a main priority.

Governance, Security, Terrorism

The article “Sahel: contours and challenges of a multidimensional crisis” by Niagalé Bagayoko, published in Diplomatie (n°107, January-February 2021) by Areion Group, examines the complexity of the crisis in the Sahel. It highlights the interaction between jihadist insurgencies, community conflicts, the collapse of local governance and international military interventions. The article discusses the rivalry between groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda (GSIM) and those linked to the Islamic State (ISGS), as well as the rise of local militias and self-defense groups. It also addresses tensions between local actors and international forces such as Barkhane and MINUSMA. Finally, the author highlights the need to address the root causes of the crisis, notably poor governance and the absence of lasting political solutions.

State, Natural ressources, Security, Jihad, Terrorism, Gold, Human security, Cooperation, Threat, Dialogue

In December 2023, Chad adopted an amnesty law covering all offenses committed during the events of October 20, 2022, where at least 128 people lost their lives. ACAT-France criticizes this legislation, believing that it promotes impunity and goes against the government's commitments to human rights and the rule of law. Chad's National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) also expressed concerns, highlighting the lack of provisions for reparation for victims and considering this an obstruction of justice. The CNDH calls on the government to put in place reparation mechanisms and transitional justice to ease tensions. The events of October 20, 2022 were marked by violent repression by security forces against demonstrators demanding a real political change, leading to serious violations of fundamental rights.

Governance, Human Rights, Impunity