The article titled "Il faut revoir le programme scolaire pour y intégrer l’histoire du Sénégal…" is an interview with Mamadou Souleymane Sy, a professor of Letters and History – Geography at the Lycée de Kassack, Saint Louis, Senegal. Published on December 20, 2024, by WATHI, the article highlights Mr. Sy's career, who has taught French, history, and geography at the Kassack Nord high school, after seven years of teaching at the elementary level in Dagana, in northern Senegal. Holder of a Master's degree in Geography from Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, he subsequently passed the recruitment competition for elementary education. The article emphasizes the importance of revising the school curriculum to integrate the history of Senegal, in order to strengthen national identity and understanding of cultural heritage among students.

Governance, Education

The article “Democratic decline in West Africa: Characteristics and solutions” by E. Gyimah-Boadi, published by the Kofi Annan Foundation in December 2021, analyzes the decline of democratic standards in West Africa. After notable progress in the 1990s, the region is experiencing a resurgence of authoritarianism, illustrated by attempts to extend presidential terms beyond constitutional limits and an increase in electoral violence. Internal factors include a persistent authoritarian political culture and ethnic divisions, while external factors include an international environment less favorable to democratization. Growing security challenges, such as violent extremism, exacerbate this situation. To reverse this trend, the article recommends strengthening democratic institutions, promoting citizen participation and improving governance to meet the aspirations of the populations.

Governance, Democracy, Election, Human Rights, Violence

The summary examines vulnerabilities and resilience factors in governance in Niger. Despite modernization reforms launched in 2013 to enhance public administration efficiency, structural issues persist: under-administration, politicization of public roles, and a lack of human and material resources. Decentralization and deconcentration are key levers, but their implementation faces obstacles such as weak coordination and territorial inequalities. Technical and financial partners play a structuring role, though sometimes to the detriment of national institutions. Public servants demonstrate resilience, maintaining essential services despite challenges. The summary advocates strengthening territorial reforms, improving local resource management, and fostering social ownership of public policies for more inclusive and effective governance.

State, Governance, Economic Development, Security, Education, Development, Human security, Knowlege production, EMPLOYMENT, Institution

The article entitled “What are the causes of the multidimensional crises affecting Mali and Burkina Faso?” », written by Jean-Marc Gravellini and published by the Institute of International and Strategic Relations (IRIS) on March 2, 2023, analyzes the origins of the complex crises affecting these two countries. The author identifies several contributing factors: Failures of economic policies: The economic strategies implemented have failed to improve the living conditions of populations, worsening poverty and unemployment. Socio-political crises: Growing discontent with the powers that be, perceived as corrupt and ineffective, has led to persistent political instability. Growing insecurity: The rise of armed groups and terrorist activities has worsened the security situation, making it difficult to maintain order and protect citizens. These interconnected elements have led to multidimensional crises, simultaneously affecting the economic, political and security spheres of Mali and Burkina Faso.

Governance, Insécurité, Instabilité

In this interview published by IRIS, Jean-Marc Gravellini analyzes Chad's political and geopolitical situation. He discusses the appointment of Succès Masra, a former opponent of the military regime, as Transitional Prime Minister on January 1, 2024. This appointment is seen as an attempt to include the opposition in the transition process. Gravellini highlights the ongoing challenges Chad faces, including governance, security, and development issues. He also points out Russia's growing influence in the region, as it seeks to strengthen its presence in Central Africa. The article concludes by examining Chad's relations with neighboring countries and the geopolitical implications of these regional dynamics.

Politics, Governance, Transition

In his article titled "La cartographie électorale en Afrique. L’expérience de LAMencartes," published on December 10, 2024, on Géoconfluences, Christian Bouquet, emeritus professor of political geography at the University Bordeaux-Montaigne and Sciences Po Bordeaux, shares the experience of the LAMenCartes workshop, initiated in 2015 by the laboratory Les Afriques dans le Monde (LAM-CNRS). This workshop aims to produce electoral maps for various African countries, despite challenges such as difficulties in accessing reliable data, varying transparency of elections, and technical obstacles related to data collection. Bouquet highlights that, although progress has been made, major obstacles remain, notably due to the reluctance of authorities to provide complete and accurate data. He also emphasizes the importance of electoral cartography in revealing territorial divisions based on ethno-regional lines, while acknowledging the limitations of this exercise in contexts where elections may be marred by fraud.

Politics, Governance, Election

Drissa Millogo’s study analyzes the deadlocks in Mali’s peace process, which are linked to poor governance, intercommunal tensions, domestic jihadism, and foreign interference (France, Russia, Gulf monarchies). It calls for a complete rethinking of security approaches, grounded in popular sovereignty, horizontal cooperation, and stronger civil society engagement. Niger is portrayed as a fragile state threatened by jihadist infiltration from Nigeria and the tri-border area; President Issoufou advocates for a firm policy with international backing. Burkina Faso is highlighted for its regional diplomacy under President Compaoré but is also viewed with suspicion due to alleged ties with armed groups. The study promotes inclusive local governance and sincere regional cooperation as essential foundations for peace.

Governance, Peace, Conflict, Crisis management, Jihad, Civil Society, Groupes armés

The article titled "Confederation of the Sahel: Risks and Challenges of a New Alliance", written by Christian Bouquet and published on July 15, 2024, in The Conversation, examines the transformation of the Alliance of Sahel States (ASS) — comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger — into a confederation of states. This shift follows their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The author highlights the significant economic implications of this decision, notably the end of free trade agreements with other ECOWAS members, thereby restricting the free movement of goods, capital, and people to only ASS countries and members of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). A major challenge identified is the geographical landlocked nature of these countries, lacking direct access to the sea, complicating their exports and imports. Additionally, the monetary issue arises, as these nations still use the CFA franc and remain dependent on UEMOA and the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO). The creation of their own currency is considered, but its implementation appears complex and lengthy.

Governance, Cooperation