This document analyzes the contextual factors influencing health emergencies in West Africa, focusing on Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. It examines how epidemics, such as Ebola, COVID-19, mpox, and Lassa fever, are shaped by sociocultural, economic, and political dynamics. The report emphasizes the need for an integrated approach, recognizing the complexity of health crises and the importance of local knowledge. It highlights existing capacities in the region, including disease control centers and academic institutions, while calling for strengthened governance and coordination of responses. The document advocates for better integration of social sciences into health emergency preparedness and response, aiming to develop more effective and contextually appropriate interventions.

Governance, Soicial sciences, Santé publique, Emergency

This report examines the social and cultural factors sustaining female genital mutilation (FGM) in Chad's Mandoul region, where prevalence exceeds 80% in certain areas. FGM is often viewed as a vital initiation rite tied to female identity, influenced by social norms, religious beliefs, and ethnic traditions. Despite legal prohibition since 2002 and its inclusion in the 2017 Constitution, the practice continues, frequently in clandestine settings. Health consequences include obstetric complications and sexual dysfunctions. The report emphasizes the need for locally adapted approaches involving communities, religious leaders, and healthcare professionals to challenge the social norms supporting FGM. It recommends awareness campaigns, particularly in schools, and training for local stakeholders to encourage the abandonment of this practice.

Culture, Cultural identity, Governance, Women, Health, Female genital mutilation

This article explores post-traumatic impacts within northern Nigerian communities affected by Boko Haram insurgency, farmer-herder clashes, and widespread banditry. It contrasts the biomedical understanding of PTSD with social science perspectives, stressing that purely clinical interventions fall short. The report highlights the need to integrate cultural, societal, and community factors into trauma response strategies. It calls for improved humanitarian coordination, better support for service providers, and recognition of collective trauma. Access to mental health care is limited due to stigma, weak infrastructure, and traditional beliefs. The article promotes blended approaches combining clinical and social science frameworks to ensure effective and culturally appropriate support. Collective healing and long-term community resilience are also emphasized as vital to recovery efforts.

Governance, Security, Conflict, Santé mentale

This rapid review, authored by Issa Wone (Assane Seck University of Ziguinchor), highlights the essential role of local governments in sanitation and hygiene (S&H) governance in West Africa. Following the decentralization reforms of the 1980s and 1990s, municipalities have become key actors in managing public services. However, they face persistent challenges: lack of resources, weak coordination with national institutions, and limited technical capacity. The report calls for institutional strengthening, adequate financing, and active community participation. It also emphasizes the need to address social equity and ensure the inclusion of vulnerable groups to advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 6 on sanitation.

Governance, Decentralization, Politique publique, Hygiène

This article by the We Are Water Foundation presents three concrete cases in the global effort toward universal sanitation: in Burkina Faso, Guatemala, and Kenya. In Burkina Faso, the foundation, together with UNICEF and local authorities, eliminated open defecation in the Sissili province using the CLTS approach, which empowers communities through awareness and self-driven action. In Lake Atitlán (Guatemala), Mosan developed a chemical-free, waterless toilet system that transforms waste into useful resources. In Kibera (Nairobi), UN-Habitat incorporated sanitation needs into a broader urban development plan involving roads, waste collection, and public spaces. The article stresses that access to safe toilets is a basic human right and a vital component of dignity, sustainability, and equitable development.

Governance, Environment, Food security, Hygiène, Santé publique

This report by the Gorée Institute highlights the critical role of women in strengthening democracy in the Sahel. Coinciding with International Women's Rights Day, the institute emphasizes that women are essential strategic partners in peace processes and governance. The document advocates for increased female participation in political processes, systematic gender considerations in public policies, and the empowerment of young women as catalysts for sustainable change. It underscores the necessity of recognizing and enhancing women's roles in addressing political crises and democratic challenges in the Sahel region.

Governance, Gender, Democracy, Women, Political participation

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

In this publication by the Gorée Institute (March 17, 2025), author Mouhamadou Naby Baldé examines the prospects for successful political and security integration following the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS and their regrouping under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The article analyzes the motivations behind the withdrawal—particularly the perceived hostility of ECOWAS towards military regimes—and highlights the community’s internal weaknesses, including slow decision-making, lack of shared vision, and leadership concentration. However, the AES remains a fragile bloc, facing diplomatic isolation and security threats. The author advocates for a reformed ECOWAS that could become a space for genuine regional convergence and shared sovereignty, while leaving open the door for a potential return of AES countries under improved conditions.

Sovereignty, Governance, Security, Coopération régionale

In this note published by WATHI on May 8, 2024, based on a report by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the article titled “Escaping Poverty: Developing the Transport Network in Chad” highlights the critical importance of transport infrastructure for Chad’s socio-economic development. The country suffers from geographic isolation worsened by an underdeveloped, poorly maintained road network. According to the IsDB, this situation limits access to essential services, undermines competitiveness, and exacerbates poverty. Improving transport infrastructure—particularly rural roads—would enhance trade flows, strengthen national integration, and generate employment. The article urges greater engagement from technical and financial partners to support strategic infrastructure projects as part of a long-term poverty reduction agenda.

Governance, Development, Poverty