The IRIS video, dated September 3, 2024, presents an exchange between Pascal Boniface and Caroline Roussy, Research Director and Head of the Africa/s Program, on the security and political situation in the Sahel, particularly in Burkina Faso, following the attack of August 24, 2024, one of the deadliest in the country's history. They discuss the worsening security crisis in the region, marked by a resurgence of terrorist attacks and growing political instability. The video also addresses the challenges faced by local governments and international forces in their fight against terrorism, as well as the implications for the civilian population. The speakers emphasize the importance of an integrated approach, combining military efforts, economic development and strengthening governance, to sustainably stabilize the region. They emphasize the need for increased cooperation between the Sahel states and the international community to address this multidimensional crisis.

Governance, Security, Jihad, Violence

The “2024-2027 Roadmap for Strengthening the Inclusion of Refugees in the National Health System in Mauritania” aims to fully integrate refugees into the Mauritanian health system. It is part of the country’s commitment to ensuring refugees’ access to health services, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the National Health Development Plan 2021-2030. Key objectives include strengthening health infrastructure, improving the supply of essential medicines, and gradually integrating refugees into the national health insurance system.

Governance, Health, refugee

The article discusses military dominance in Mali in the context of the political transition. General Assimi Goïta recently dismissed Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga following growing tensions and public criticism of the military's management. Latent disagreements between the two leaders, masked by a fragile alliance, have finally erupted. The military, although having integrated civilian figures into the government, controls all decisions. This dismissal reflects the armed forces' control over the transition and highlights the absence of real countervailing powers.

Governance, Military activity, Transition

The article looks back at the 2024 legislative elections in Senegal, marked by political tensions and an unprecedented parliamentary configuration. After the victory of Bassirou Diomaye Faye in the presidential election of March 2024, the objective is to secure a parliamentary majority to implement the promised reforms, particularly in terms of governance and the fight against corruption. The major issues include the consolidation of presidential power and the modernization of infrastructure. The election, with a mixed majority and proportional system, aims to renew the 165 seats in the National Assembly while breaking the political cohabitation inherited from the 2022 elections.

Power, Governance, Election, Réforme

The Danish Refugee Council’s article “Education under attack in West and Central Africa highlights the devastating impact of conflict on education in the region. By the end of the 2021-2022 school year, more than 12,400 schools were closed in eight countries, mainly due to attacks by non-state armed groups, teachers fleeing or parents being afraid to send their children to school. This is jeopardizing the future of entire generations of children, depriving them of access to learning and exposing them to compounding risks such as early marriage, child labour and recruitment by armed groups. Despite the adoption of the Safe Schools Declaration by most countries in the region, persistent attacks underscore the need for concrete measures to protect education. The report recommends holistic and multi-sectoral approaches, strengthening alternative learning solutions and increasing funding for education in emergencies.

Governance, Security, Education

The article highlights the active engagement of women and youth in the Sahel, particularly in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Senegal, in the fight against the reduction of civic spaces. Historically marginalized from political power, these groups vigorously oppose repression and blockages of political transitions, demanding governance aligned with their aspirations. Citizen movements such as Balai Citoyen in Burkina Faso, the Mouvement du 5 juin (M5) in Mali, Y'en a marre in Senegal, and others, illustrate this dynamic. Their mastery of information technologies and social networks strengthens their mobilization, as evidenced by the hashtag "Free Senegal" during the riots of March 2021. These initiatives aim to promote democracy, peace, development and the fight against corruption, while denouncing political excesses and proposing solutions to social problems.

Governance, Youth, Women

The Mauritania country profile, published by Bpifrance in February 2023, highlights economic growth of 4% in 2022, mainly supported by the mining sector (iron and gold) and investments in energy, particularly gas and renewable energies. However, high inflation (+9.5% in 2022) is weighing on domestic demand. The public deficit reached 2.1% of GDP in 2022, due to accumulated spending to counter inflation and finance energy projects. The current account deficit remains high (-11.6% of GDP), despite robust exports. The banking sector remains fragile, with a non-performing loan rate of 22.7% at the end of 2021. The medium-term outlook is promising, thanks to the planned start of gas exports in late 2023-early 2024, which should strengthen economic growth and improve budgetary and external balances.

Governance, Economic Development

The 2023 Sectoral Review of the Ministry of Health of Mauritania reports on progress towards universal health coverage, in line with the National Health Development Plan (PNDS) 2022-2030. It highlights advances in human resources, infrastructure, equipment and health financing, with activities such as capacity building of personnel and construction of health structures. However, challenges persist, particularly in terms of availability of medicines and governance of the health system. The review recommends better coordination with technical and financial partners, improvement of monitoring mechanisms and optimization of the use of data for decision-making. The outlook includes continued efforts to strengthen the health system and achieve the objectives of the PNDS, with an emphasis on the effectiveness of interventions and the mobilization of necessary resources.

Governance, Health, Couverture sanitaire

Burkina Faso is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, marked by growing insecurity and massive population displacement. In 2018, attacks by armed groups, particularly in the Sahel, Centre-North, East and North regions, forced more than two million people to flee their homes, seeking refuge in safer areas. This situation exacerbates tensions between communities, particularly between herders and farmers, and puts additional pressure on natural resources already weakened by climate change. Basic infrastructure, such as health centres and schools, are often targeted, limiting access to essential services for displaced populations. Despite the efforts of the authorities and humanitarian organisations, assistance remains insufficient given the scale of the needs, and insecurity hinders access to some affected areas.

Governance, Agriculture, Livestock, Security, Violence, Crisis, Déplacement forcé