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• Podcast / Governance, Security and human rights,

  Far from the battle of narratives and passions 30/01/2026

  Summary :

  The article “Far from the battle of narratives and passions: exploring the lived experiences of populations in besieged localities in Mali” draws on t...

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  Country : Mali

  Organizations : WATHI
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Podcast / Governance, Security and human rights,
Far from the battle of narratives and passions 30/01/2026
Summary :
The article “Far from the battle of narratives and passions: exploring the lived experiences of populations in besieged localities in Mali” draws on the research study Living under blockade: areas under JNIM influence in Mali, conducted by Mahamadou Bassirou Tangara and Ibrahima Poudiougou. The study examines the impact of blockades imposed by jihadist armed groups, particularly the Katiba Macina affiliated with JNIM, on civilian populations in central Mali. Using a qualitative and comparative methodology in the Mopti and Ségou regions, the authors document the severe consequences of these blockades: isolation, collapse of economic activities, targeted violence, restrictions on movement, social fragmentation, and school closures. The article highlights blockade as a long-term strategy of territorial control with devastating effects on daily life, far beyond military considerations. By centering local voices and lived experiences, the research moves away from ideological narratives and provides grounded insights that are essential for informing political and security decision-making in Mali.
Keywords :
Politics, Governance, Security, Crisis, Groupes armés
Organizations :
WATHI
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• Academic analysis and Think Tank / Governance, Security and human rights,

  The Effectiveness of Defense and Security Forces in the Sahel and West Africa 17/11/2025

  Summary :

  The article examines the effectiveness of defense and security forces in the Sahel and West Africa amid the rise of terrorist groups. Since the 1990s,...

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  Country : Burkina Faso , Mali , Mauritania , Niger , Benin , Ivory Coste , Togo

  Organizations : WATHI
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Academic analysis and Think Tank / Governance, Security and human rights,
The Effectiveness of Defense and Security Forces in the Sahel and West Africa 17/11/2025
Summary :
The article examines the effectiveness of defense and security forces in the Sahel and West Africa amid the rise of terrorist groups. Since the 1990s, structural weaknesses—poor equipment, limited training, and lack of modernization—have undermined national armies’ ability to confront asymmetric threats. Armed groups exploit these vulnerabilities, relying on insurgent and guerrilla tactics that outperform conventional military approaches. The document highlights varied national situations: the fragility of Mali and Burkina Faso, the relative preparedness of Niger, and Mauritania’s successful military reforms. It also emphasizes the shortcomings of foreign operations and the operational limitations of the G5 Sahel Joint Force. The article recommends strengthening military capacities, adopting counter-insurgency doctrines, enhancing cooperation with local communities, improving regional coordination, and investing in intelligence and surveillance.
Keywords :
Governance, Security, Terrorism, Coopération régionale
Organizations :
WATHI
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• Academic analysis and Think Tank / Security and human rights,

  A Folkloric Coup d’État in Guinea-Bissau and the Ongoing Turmoil in West Africa 08/12/2025

  Summary :

  The article “A Folkloric Coup d’État in Guinea-Bissau and the Ongoing Turmoil in West Africa” reports on a coup d’état that occurred shortly after the...

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  Country : Guinea-Bissau

  Organizations : WATHI
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Academic analysis and Think Tank / Security and human rights,
A Folkloric Coup d’État in Guinea-Bissau and the Ongoing Turmoil in West Africa 08/12/2025
Summary :
The article “A Folkloric Coup d’État in Guinea-Bissau and the Ongoing Turmoil in West Africa” reports on a coup d’état that occurred shortly after the November 23, 2025 presidential election in Guinea-Bissau — a vote conducted with calm but carrying significant hope for the country’s 2.2 million inhabitants. Despite the election, the provisional results were delayed, and a group of military officers close to former president Umaro Sissoco Embaló seized power, forming a military junta called the “High Military Command.” General Denis Ncanha announced the takeover, and General Horta N’Tam was appointed head of a one-year transitional government. The article questions the true nature of the coup — some describe it as a “folkloric coup,” possibly orchestrated by Embaló himself to prevent the victory of another candidate backed by the historic party PAIGC. The author warns of renewed political instability, as seen in other West African states, and the risk of widespread “turmoil” if such maneuvers become common.
Keywords :
Politics, Governance, Security, Coup d'État
Organizations :
WATHI
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• Academic analysis and Think Tank / Governance, Security and human rights,

  Africa Organized Crime Index 2023: Rising Crime, Growing Vulnerabilities 02/12/2025

  Summary :

  The article outlines findings from the ENACT Africa Organised Crime Index 2023, highlighting rising illicit activity and growing vulnerabilities acros...

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  Country : Guinea-Bissau

  Organizations : WATHI
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Academic analysis and Think Tank / Governance, Security and human rights,
Africa Organized Crime Index 2023: Rising Crime, Growing Vulnerabilities 02/12/2025
Summary :
The article outlines findings from the ENACT Africa Organised Crime Index 2023, highlighting rising illicit activity and growing vulnerabilities across Africa. It emphasizes that Guinea-Bissau has become a key hub for arms and cocaine trafficking, acting both as a source and transit country. Light weapons — often concentrated in the capital and border areas — flow through Guinea-Bissau into conflict zones in the Sahel and West Africa. Meanwhile, the country serves as a major transshipment point for South American cocaine destined for European markets. These illicit flows empower criminal and extremist groups, weaken institutional capacity, and increase the risk of violence and instability. The article warns of the urgent need for improved regional coordination and strengthened state resilience to tackle organized crime.
Keywords :
Governance, Security, Vulnerability, Institution, Trafic de drogue
Organizations :
WATHI
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