The report "The sovereignist turning point in Mali" analyzes the trajectory adopted by the Malian authorities since they came to power in 2021 after two coups d'état. The transitional government has established a sovereignist policy, rejecting old Western influences and adopting a pan-Africanist discourse. This choice, popular with young people seeking change, has led to economic, security and diplomatic ruptures, particularly with France. However, this shift carries risks: loss of international aid and authoritarian drift. The report recommends a balanced sovereign, reinvesting in social sectors and renewing peaceful relations with partners. The success of this trajectory depends on inclusive governance and the restoration of security.

Sovereignty, Governance

Crisis Group’s article “Central Sahel: At the Eye of the Storm” analyses the multidimensional crisis in the Central Sahel, spanning Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. The region is facing a combination of armed conflict, political instability, humanitarian crises and environmental challenges. Violence by jihadist groups and inter-communal tensions have led to massive population displacement, exacerbating an already precarious humanitarian situation. Local governments, often fragile, are struggling to restore security and provide basic services, while international interventions have yet to provide sustainable solutions. The article highlights the urgent need for an integrated approach, combining security efforts, economic development and political dialogue, to sustainably stabilise the region.

Conflict, Jihad, Violence, Crisis, Insécurité

The security crisis in West Africa and the Sahel exacerbates the vulnerability of these regions to climate change. Conflicts hamper the governance of natural resources, which are essential for the global energy transition. Regional institutions, such as ECOWAS and the African Union, are weakened, compromising their ability to respond effectively to climate challenges. According to the IPCC, these areas are among the most vulnerable to future climate fluctuations. Demands for climate justice coincide with aspirations for social justice, particularly among African youth. Securing the management of strategic minerals is crucial for the industrialization and economic development of producer countries. It is imperative to integrate security considerations into international climate negotiations to ensure effective implementation of climate agendas in the Sahel and West Africa

Climate change, Environment, Natural ressources, Security, Vulnerability

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 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 study commissioned by the Gorée Institute aims to analyze the civic space related to children's rights in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali and Senegal. Its main objective is to produce a barometer assessing the current situation, in order to determine the need for effective, evidence-based advocacy to influence policies, legal frameworks and practices in the protection of children's rights in these countries. The process involved several steps, including the establishment of indicators validated by the parties involved, the development of quantitative and qualitative statistical data collection tools, followed by an analysis focused on children's rights.

Human Rights, Enfant

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

The article highlights the urgency of establishing inclusive development in the Sahel and West Africa to counter the growing destabilization of the region. The author, drawing on her humanitarian experience, highlights local initiatives led by authorities, community leaders, women's and youth associations, particularly in the areas of education and training. However, she deplores the fact that current political decisions neglect the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, thus exacerbating their precariousness. She calls for collective mobilization to build productive, supportive and dignified African societies, rather than constantly recovering from repeated crises.

Education, Development, Women, Vulnerability