This report analyzes protection challenges in contexts of prolonged crises and fragility in West Africa. It focuses on the link between humanitarian and development interventions, assessing approaches adopted by AFD and other donors. The study covers Sahel and Gulf of Guinea countries, facing growing instability. It identifies challenges related to the lack of a clear definition of protection, insufficient coordination among actors, and rigid contractual frameworks. The study recommends systematically integrating conflict analyses, adopting multisectoral protection, and implementing flexible mechanisms to adapt interventions to local realities. It also advocates for strengthening the capacities of local actors and enhancing synergy between humanitarian and development stakeholders.

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

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 article analyzes the geopolitical transformations and multiple crises shaking the Sahel, marked by growing international actors such as Russia, Turkey and Iran. It highlighted the impact of these dynamics on the region's politics, security and economy, and the challenges related to governance. Although certain trends seem to please part of the population, they struggle to translate into concrete stability. The author offers recommendations for strengthened international cooperation and better governance.

Governance, Security, Cooperation, Crisis

The article analyzes the geopolitical transformations and multiple crises shaking the Sahel, marked by growing international actors such as Russia, Turkey and Iran. It highlighted the impact of these dynamics on the region's politics, security and economy, and the challenges related to governance. Although certain trends seem to please part of the population, they struggle to translate into concrete stability. The author offers recommendations for strengthened international cooperation and better governance.

Governance, Security, Cooperation, Crisis

The article discusses the increasing role of Malian civil society in the post-coup democratic transition. Despite challenges in governance and security, organizations like "Women and Development" help facilitate dialogue between the authorities and the people. These actors play a crucial role in fostering more inclusive and responsive governance, essential for democratic stability. Civil society thus becomes a vital pillar in the quest for a new social contract in Mali.

Governance, Security, Civil Society

The article analyzes the growing threat from terrorist groups in northern Ghana, a region hitherto spared from major attacks despite its proximity to Burkina Faso. Ghana's Minister of Defense warns of the risks of terrorist establishment, particularly in Bawku, where attempted attacks have taken place. The article explores the strategies of armed terrorist groups to gain a foothold and highlight the country's vulnerabilities.

Governance, Security, Terrorism, Groupes armés

The report “Protection Challenges in Prolonged Crisis Contexts and Fragile States in West Africa: Coordinating Responses Between Emergency and Development” explores the challenges related to protecting populations in fragile states in West Africa, particularly in the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea. It highlights the limits of current interventions by development donors, such as AFD, and proposes strategies to better prevent rights violations. The study analyzes protection approaches, such as integrating conflict sensitivity, adapting contractual frameworks for more flexibility and involving local actors. She recommends adopting tools such as contextual monitoring, community protection and strengthening local justice. The objective is to ensure a coordinated approach between humanitarian and development actors for more effective protection in protracted crisis contexts.

Economic Development, Security, Justice, Conflict, Development, Threat, Researh, Knowlege production, Crisis, Protection

The article “The State must reach out to young people who have great ambitions…” presents an interview with Djibril Maïga, promoter of the Agrotech Niger start-up. He underlines the importance for the State to support ambitious young entrepreneurs, particularly in the agricultural sector. Djibril Maïga highlighted the potential of agro-technology to transform agriculture in Niger and improve food security. He calls for increased collaboration between public authorities and young innovators to promote the economic and social development of the country. According to him, adequate institutional support is essential to enable youth initiatives to flourish and contribute significantly to national growth.

Governance, Agriculture, Youth, Food security, Institution, Entrepreneurship

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