This report examines protection challenges in contexts of prolonged crises and fragile states in West Africa, focusing on the link between emergency and development interventions. The study primarily covers the Gulf of Guinea countries (Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin), affected by increasing instability from the Sahel. It explores how AFD and other donors can adapt their approaches to effectively prevent human rights violations. The analysis is based on a literature review and expert interviews. Key findings include the lack of a clear definition of protection, the need to enhance coordination between humanitarian and development actors, and the importance of contractual flexibility to sustain interventions in fragile areas. The study recommends strengthening contextual analysis and integrated multisectoral protection approaches.

Economic Development, Natural ressources, Justice, Conflict, Development, Gold, Social, Threat, Crisis, Protection

The book Refugee in One’s Own Country: A Collective Investigation into Internally Displaced Persons in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) examines the plight of individuals fleeing violence in Burkina Faso and seeking refuge in the capital. Conducted in 2021-2022 by a team of Burkinabè and French researchers, the study highlights the exclusion of these internally displaced persons (IDPs) from official statistics and humanitarian aid. Testimonies reveal harsh living conditions, difficulties integrating into the urban environment, and a lack of institutional recognition. The study also explores the complexity of the conflict in the "three-border zone" (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) and the spread of violence. Combining anthropological and geographical approaches, it sheds light on the displaced population’s adaptation strategies and their struggle for visibility amid an ongoing security and political crisis.

Politics, Political party, Gender, Natural ressources, Education, Gold, Social, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

This report analyzes Burkina Faso’s security apparatus in the wake of the 2014 uprising and President Compaoré's fall. It highlights structural weaknesses in defense and security forces, the divisive role of the Presidential Security Regiment (RSP), the rise of terrorism, and the emergence of self-defense groups (Kogl-wéogo). The study details issues such as lack of coordination, inadequate equipment and training, and politicization of the military. It also reviews reform efforts, including the dissolution of the RSP, the creation of a national intelligence agency, and civil society's demands for a depoliticized, professional military. The authors advocate for a republican army, aligned with democratic principles and separated from political power.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Terrorism, Gold, Military activity, Human security, Réforme

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

It analyzes the sudden emergence of artisanal gold panning in northern Niger in 2014, following the discovery of gold deposits in the Djado valley, in Tchibarakaten and in the Aïr massif. These discoveries led to a gold rush involving many Nigerians and foreigners seeking their fortune. The article describes the main gold panning sites and their actors, examines the interactions between the state, traders and gold miners, and assesses the political, religious, economic, social and environmental consequences of this activity in the Agadez region. The authors emphasize that, although gold panning has brought unexpected economic activity in a difficult economic situation, it also generates effects largely uncontrolled by the government, particularly in terms of regulation and environmental impact.

Governance, Environment, Natural ressources, Gold

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 entitled “Mali-Niger: climate change and conflicts form an explosive cocktail in the Sahel”, published by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 2019, analyzes the interaction between climate change and intercommunity conflicts in Mali and Niger. Global warming is exacerbating historic tensions between herders and farmers, particularly arable land and making water resources more unpredictable. This situation worsens poverty, weakens public services and disrupts traditional livelihoods. Local populations, already facing underdevelopment, crime and violence, are pushed into difficult choices, such as migration or joining armed groups, to meet their needs. The ICRC highlights the need for a radically different approach to tackling these complex challenges in the Sahel.

Migration, Climate change, Natural ressources, Conflict, Poverty

The article explores the growing place of girls in Arab-Islamic education in Senegal and its impact on gender relations. Historically, this education system was dominated by boys, but since the 1990s, private and public initiatives have allowed for greater female inclusion. Arab-Islamic education is seen as a tool for social moralization and protection against negative influences. However, it also conveys rigid gender norms, with an emphasis on the training of girls as future wives and mothers. Despite these constraints, young girls invest in this educational space to achieve skills, strengthen their autonomy and sometimes even compete with men in religious and educational roles. Education thus becomes a space for negotiation between tradition and modernity, between control and female emancipation.

Politics, Political party, Power, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Religious education, Education, Family, Gold, Social