In this interview published by WATHI on November 18, 2020, Aissatou Ndiaye, a sociologist and project manager on female genital mutilation (FGM) at Youth Woman for Action (YWA), discusses the state of women's and girls' rights in Senegal. She highlights that, despite significant legal progress and the ratification of numerous international treaties, effective implementation of these laws remains limited. Social norms, gender stereotypes, and patriarchal education hinder the realization of women's rights. Aissatou Ndiaye emphasizes the need to harmonize national laws with international commitments, particularly regarding Article 14 of the Maputo Protocol on medicalized abortion. She advocates for youth education focused on gender equality and increased participation of women in decision-making bodies to ensure their rights are upheld.

Governance, Female genital mutilation, Women's rights, Gender equality

In this podcast published by WATHI on May 3, 2025, Pape Abdou Ndour discusses the political tensions in Côte d’Ivoire ahead of the October 2025 presidential election. He reflects on the potential fourth-term candidacy of President Alassane Ouattara, who already bypassed term limits in 2020. A renewed candidacy, he argues, would deal a serious blow to democracy in West Africa, where the trend of retaining power persists. The episode also highlights legal challenges faced by key opposition figures like Tidjane Thiam, raising concerns over a restricted political arena. The speaker calls for a peaceful democratic transition, urging President Ouattara to step down voluntarily in order to strengthen institutions and avoid deepening national and regional instability.

Politics, Governance, Democracy, Election

Sudan's civil war, which erupted in April 2023, has led to the displacement of over one million refugees and returnees into eastern Chad, an area that is both remote and impoverished. This humanitarian crisis is placing immense strain on local resources and infrastructure. Intercommunal tensions are rising, particularly between Sudanese refugees and Chadian host communities, fueled by land disputes and ethnic rivalries. The presence of armed groups and the potential for regional destabilization are significant concerns. The article emphasizes the urgent need for a coordinated international response to support Chad, enhance border security, and prevent further escalation of the conflict.

Governance, Conflict, refugee, Crisis, Insécurité, Destabilization

The article explores the impact of Covid-19-related misinformation in West Africa, where social media accelerates the spread of rumors and conspiracy theories, often faster than scientific facts. The authors identify structural causes of this "infodemic": distrust in authorities, information asymmetry, manipulation of data, and social fragility. Examples from Senegal, Nigeria, Kenya, and Côte d’Ivoire show how fear, stigmatization, and fake news intensify social tensions. The article calls for multilingual, inclusive, and creative public communication involving community leaders and influencers. It emphasizes the responsibility of governments, media, and civil society in ensuring the dissemination of reliable information. The authors argue that effective communication can mean the difference between life and death in a pandemic context.

Governance, Numérique, Réseaux sociaux, Disinformation

In this interview, Dr. Yacine Diagne, a political scientist and head of the radio department at CESTI, Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, advocates for the democratization of Senegal's media landscape. She emphasizes the importance of strengthening journalist training and promoting ethical and responsible information dissemination. Dr. Diagne highlights the need to combat misinformation, especially during electoral periods, by involving media outlets, institutions, and civil society. She underscores the crucial role of media in consolidating democracy and calls for balanced regulation that respects press freedom while ensuring the quality of disseminated information.

Governance, Democracy, Medias, Disinformation

Angeline Savadogo's article explores the shifting nature of foreign policy in the Sahel, once confined to diplomatic elites but now influenced by active youth participation. Young people, educated or not, increasingly engage with geopolitics—through protests, demands for sovereignty, and symbolic actions—reflecting a politicized but often under-informed citizenry. The article highlights the institutional void: youth centers are dysfunctional, formal diplomacy remains distant, and international norms like the Vienna Convention are little known. Social media becomes the main outlet for expression. Savadogo calls for inclusive strategic thinking involving youth, scholars, and institutions. She advocates for integrating international relations into educational systems and fostering participatory diplomacy. In the Sahel’s shifting geopolitical landscape, youth are not passive observers—they are emerging actors. Without structured engagement, they risk becoming destabilizing forces instead of constructive agents of change.

Sovereignty, Governance, Youth, Democracy

From November 29 to 30, 2023, the Peace and Security Centre of Competence Sub-Saharan Africa of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) organized a regional workshop in Dakar focusing on crises in West Africa. Gathering academics, researchers, and civil society actors from eight countries, discussions addressed democratic, security, and institutional challenges in the region. Participants highlighted the negative impact of crises on political stability, governance, and regional integration, particularly within ECOWAS. The workshop emphasized the need to rethink democratic models, considering local contexts and the aspirations of populations. Recommendations were made to strengthen the rule of law, promote inclusive governance, and revitalize regional cooperation to build more resilient and legitimate institutions.

Governance, Democracy, Crisis, Regional integration

In this WATHI-published op-ed, El-Ghassim Wane reflects on Africa’s potential contributions to the upcoming 8th UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference in Berlin (May 2025). He highlights the continent’s direct experience with peacekeeping and draws out three core insights: (1) peacekeeping is an effective, sovereignty-enhancing, and life-saving tool; (2) the UN and African Union must further strengthen their complementary roles; (3) peacekeeping embodies multilateralism. Wane advocates for a deeper AU-UN partnership, greater African ownership of peace operations, and a rebalancing between prevention, mediation, and military engagement. He also urges increased investment in structural prevention—especially governance and human rights—by combining the AU’s normative frameworks and the UN’s technical capacities. The Berlin conference represents a critical moment for Africa to assert its voice within the global multilateral system.

Governance, Peace, Conflict, Crisis management, International cooperation

The article analyzes the escalating tensions between Mali and Algeria, highlighted by the March 31, 2025 incident where a Malian drone was shot down by the Algerian army in Tinzawatene. This border area, historically sensitive, has become a focal point of strategic rivalries, especially following the withdrawal of MINUSMA and Mali's recapture of Kidal. Mali has reclassified former rebel groups, once partners in the Algiers Accord, as terrorist organizations, signaling a break in the peace process. Algeria, mediator of the accord, views these actions as a marginalization of its role and a threat to its security, particularly as Russia expands its influence in Mali. Tinzawatene thus symbolizes a new diplomatic and security fracture, challenging regional balances and cross-border cooperation.

Governance, Boundary, Security, Crisis management, Diplomacy, International cooperation