The article "Burkina Faso: Arming civilians at the cost of social cohesion?" , published by the International Crisis Group in December 2023, analyzes Burkina Faso's strategy of recruiting and arming civilians, called Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP), to fight against jihadist insurgencies. Although these VDPs provide significant support to the armed forces through their knowledge of the terrain, their massive mobilization raises concerns about worsening community tensions and the accumulated exposure of civilian populations to reprisals from armed groups. The report highlights that, despite some victories achieved with the help of the VDP, this approach has not yet made it possible to restore peace and could lead to new forms of instability. It is therefore essential for the authorities to put in place measures to mitigate the potential negative effects of this strategy on social cohesion.

Governance, Security

The article “The Sahel: a new theater for global jihadist groups? by Atta Barkindo, published in March 2020 in Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyzes, examines the evolution of the Sahel as a fertile ground for global jihadist groups. Despite military offensives against Boko Haram, the region remains a focal point for groups linked to Al-Qaeda (AQ) and the Islamic State (IS). The author explores the history of links between Boko Haram and these organizations, highlighting the growing influence of ISIS in the region. It highlights the structural causes of this expansion, notably political instability, poverty, porous borders and intercommunity rivalries. The financing of terrorism through drug trafficking, cigarette smuggling and kidnapping for ransom strengthens their operational capacity. The article concludes on the need for a coordinated response between Sahelian governments and international partners to stem this growing threat.

State, Security, Conflict, Jihad, Terrorism, Political Violence, Education, Human security, Threat, Knowlege production

The article “After the Sahelian failure, rethinking the software of French policy in Africa” by Alain Antil and Thierry Vircoulon, published on April 10, 2024 by the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri), analyzes the failure of French strategy in the Sahel and its broader repercussions on Paris' African policy. After the breakdown of relations with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, France saw its influence collapse in the face of the rise of anti-French sentiment and the emergence of new partners such as Russia and China. The article identifies several contradictions in French policy: paternalism, the disconnection between analysis and political action, and the contradiction between migration policy and African diplomacy. It proposes a strategic repositioning, based on a realistic assessment of French interests in Africa, abandoning outdated approaches and integrating the new geopolitical realities of the continent.

Politics, Political party, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Jihad, Gold, Human security, Threat

The article "False Choices: U.S. Policy toward Coastal West Africa and the Sahel", written by Judd Devermont and published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on June 24, 2021, examines U.S. policy in coastal West Africa and the Sahel. It emphasizes that the United States has enduring interests in both subregions, with a renewed commitment to countering violent extremism, checking authoritarianism, and challenging malign Chinese and Russian activities and influence. Since the 2000s, especially after the 2012 coup in Mali, the U.S. has increased its security, development, and humanitarian engagement in the Sahel. However, worrying security trends in coastal West Africa are prompting a strategic recalibration. The article suggests that the U.S. should adopt an integrated approach, recognizing the interdependence between the Sahel and coastal West Africa, by implementing policies that simultaneously address democratic backsliding, drivers of violent extremism, and malign Chinese and Russian influences.

Governance, Security, Extremism, Violence

The article entitled "Nigeria: The climate crisis fuels conflicts and terrorism", written by Raphaël D. and published on the Mr Mondialisation website in January 2021, analyzes the impact of climate change on security in Nigeria. The country is experiencing increasing desertification, particularly in the north, involving arable land and pastures. This situation pushes nomadic herders to migrate south, leading to conflicts with local sedentary farmers. These tensions have reached a critical level of violence, causing as many casualties as the terrorist group Boko Haram. Climate disruption thus favors the development of terrorist groups, who take advantage of the instability to carry out deadly raids and pillaging, financing part of their operations through the sale of stolen livestock. Government measures, such as the National Livestock Transformation Plan, are taken into account for their inadequacy to the needs of breeders, exacerbating existing tensions.

Agriculture, Livestock, Climate change, Security, Conflict, Terrorism

The article, titled "NATO and Security Challenges in the Saharo-Sahelian Region in the Era of New Geopolitical Realities," analyzes the growing security challenges in the Saharo-Sahelian region, including the proliferation of terrorist groups, arms and drug trafficking, and political instability. Author Rabah Aynaou examines NATO's potential role in this area, considering new geopolitical dynamics. He suggests that NATO strengthen its cooperation with regional countries and organizations to enhance security and stability. The article also emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach, including economic and social development initiatives, to address the root causes of insecurity.

Governance, Security, Cooperation

This article explores the complex relationship between climate change and conflicts in the Sahel. Author Luca Raineri questions the often-assumed link between environmental degradation and the rise of terrorism in the region. Poorly designed programs, such as the Great Green Wall and anti-desertification measures, have sometimes worsened tensions by marginalizing local communities. Authoritarian environmental protection policies have enabled extremist groups to exploit local frustrations. The article advocates for inclusive approaches, based on nuanced socio-political analyses, to avoid ineffective one-size-fits-all policies. Participatory natural resource management is highlighted as a sustainable solution to mitigate conflicts and prevent terrorism.

Climate change, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Jihad, Political Violence, Human security, Violence, Threat, Knowlege production

The article examines the complex situation in central Mali, where individuals posing as jihadists or traditional hunters (Dozos) exacerbate intercommunal tensions. Jihadists exploit the historical heritage of the Fulani to legitimize their presence, while non-Fulani militias disguise themselves as Dozos to justify actions against the Fulani. This dynamic increases polarization, trapping civilians between these armed groups. Stereotypes and amalgamations contribute to unjustified reprisals, fueling a cycle of violence that further undermines social cohesion and regional stability.

Conflict, Jihad

The article examines the communication challenges faced by Ghanaian health professionals when treating French-speaking refugees, particularly Ivorians who arrived in Ghana following the political crises of 2010-2011. These refugees are mainly housed in Ampain, Egyeikrom and Fetentaa camps. The language barrier between English-speaking medical staff and French-speaking patients compromises the quality of care. The authors recommend training in medical French for Ghanaian health staff, the development of an adapted bilingual curriculum and immersion internships in French-speaking countries, such as Côte d'Ivoire. They also propose the training of specialized medical interpreters to facilitate interactions when direct communication is difficult. These measures aim to improve patient-physician communication and ensure quality care for French-speaking refugees in Ghana.

Culture, Health, refugee