The article describes the alarming situation in central Mali, where populations suffer from the violence of jihadist groups, abuses by Malian forces and community militias. Since 2012, jihadists, notably Katiba Macina, have destabilized the region, imposed rigid control and provoked intercommunal violence. Malian military actions have exacerbated the suffering, with summary executions and abuses. The report calls for state recovery and fair justice for victims.

Governance, Security, Jihad, Terrorism, Violence

On December 31, 2024, Burkina Faso saw the formation of a new government under Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo to combat insecurity and terrorism, after deadly attacks in the north of the country. The government announced the creation of rapid intervention battalions to reconquer areas controlled by terrorists. The country faces a rise in kidnappings and internal political tensions, exacerbated by the dissolution of Traoré's previous government, which maintained the fight against terrorism as a main priority.

Governance, Security, Terrorism

On December 31, 2024, Burkina Faso saw the formation of a new government under Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo to combat insecurity and terrorism, after deadly attacks in the north of the country. The government announced the creation of rapid intervention battalions to reconquer areas controlled by terrorists. The country faces a rise in kidnappings and internal political tensions, exacerbated by the dissolution of Traoré's previous government, which maintained the fight against terrorism as a main priority.

Governance, Security, Terrorism

The article “Sahel: contours and challenges of a multidimensional crisis” by Niagalé Bagayoko, published in Diplomatie (n°107, January-February 2021) by Areion Group, examines the complexity of the crisis in the Sahel. It highlights the interaction between jihadist insurgencies, community conflicts, the collapse of local governance and international military interventions. The article discusses the rivalry between groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda (GSIM) and those linked to the Islamic State (ISGS), as well as the rise of local militias and self-defense groups. It also addresses tensions between local actors and international forces such as Barkhane and MINUSMA. Finally, the author highlights the need to address the root causes of the crisis, notably poor governance and the absence of lasting political solutions.

State, Natural ressources, Security, Jihad, Terrorism, Gold, Human security, Cooperation, Threat, Dialogue

In December 2023, Chad adopted an amnesty law covering all offenses committed during the events of October 20, 2022, where at least 128 people lost their lives. ACAT-France criticizes this legislation, believing that it promotes impunity and goes against the government's commitments to human rights and the rule of law. Chad's National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) also expressed concerns, highlighting the lack of provisions for reparation for victims and considering this an obstruction of justice. The CNDH calls on the government to put in place reparation mechanisms and transitional justice to ease tensions. The events of October 20, 2022 were marked by violent repression by security forces against demonstrators demanding a real political change, leading to serious violations of fundamental rights.

Governance, Human Rights, Impunity

This report analyzes protection challenges in contexts of prolonged crises and fragility in West Africa. It focuses on the link between humanitarian and development interventions, assessing approaches adopted by AFD and other donors. The study covers Sahel and Gulf of Guinea countries, facing growing instability. It identifies challenges related to the lack of a clear definition of protection, insufficient coordination among actors, and rigid contractual frameworks. The study recommends systematically integrating conflict analyses, adopting multisectoral protection, and implementing flexible mechanisms to adapt interventions to local realities. It also advocates for strengthening the capacities of local actors and enhancing synergy between humanitarian and development stakeholders.

Politics, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Justice, Conflict, Development, Gold, Social, Crisis, Protection

This report examines protection challenges in contexts of prolonged crises and fragile states in West Africa, focusing on the link between emergency and development interventions. The study primarily covers the Gulf of Guinea countries (Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin), affected by increasing instability from the Sahel. It explores how AFD and other donors can adapt their approaches to effectively prevent human rights violations. The analysis is based on a literature review and expert interviews. Key findings include the lack of a clear definition of protection, the need to enhance coordination between humanitarian and development actors, and the importance of contractual flexibility to sustain interventions in fragile areas. The study recommends strengthening contextual analysis and integrated multisectoral protection approaches.

Economic Development, Natural ressources, Justice, Conflict, Development, Gold, Social, Threat, Crisis, Protection

The article analyzes the geopolitical transformations and multiple crises shaking the Sahel, marked by growing international actors such as Russia, Turkey and Iran. It highlighted the impact of these dynamics on the region's politics, security and economy, and the challenges related to governance. Although certain trends seem to please part of the population, they struggle to translate into concrete stability. The author offers recommendations for strengthened international cooperation and better governance.

Governance, Security, Cooperation, Crisis

The article analyzes the geopolitical transformations and multiple crises shaking the Sahel, marked by growing international actors such as Russia, Turkey and Iran. It highlighted the impact of these dynamics on the region's politics, security and economy, and the challenges related to governance. Although certain trends seem to please part of the population, they struggle to translate into concrete stability. The author offers recommendations for strengthened international cooperation and better governance.

Governance, Security, Cooperation, Crisis