The article "Sovereignty means never having to apologize: the new geopolitics of the Sahel" analyzes the current geopolitical dynamics in the Sahel, focusing on the American military withdrawal from Niger. This has focused international attention on the region, highlighting the security and political challenges it faces. The author examines how notions of sovereignty are interpreted and applied by Sahelian states in this complex context. The article also explores the implications of this withdrawal for international relations and regional stability.

Sovereignty, Governance

The Covid-19 pandemic has heightened tensions between herders and farmers in the Sahel. Prior to the health crisis, fodder shortages in Mauritania, Senegal, Mali, and Niger had already weakened pastoral activities. Conflicts in areas like Liptako-Gourma (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) and the Lake Chad Basin (Niger, Nigeria, Chad) led to the closure of livestock markets and restricted access to grazing lands. With the pandemic, border closures disrupted the return of transhumant animals, resulting in a high concentration of livestock in border areas, increasing the risks of animal diseases and conflicts with farmers. These mobility restrictions also caused meat prices to rise in urban areas and undermined pastoralists' livelihoods due to the suspension of weekly markets.

Agriculture, Pastoralism, Conflict, Food insecurity

The article highlights the shortcomings of Senegal's healthcare system, exacerbated by floods that affected hospitals such as the regional hospital of Kolda and the Aristide Le Dantec hospital in Dakar in July 2022. These incidents raise questions about the funding and efficiency of resources allocated to health. Despite international commitments, Senegal has not yet reached the goal of allocating 15% of its budget to health, with only 10% in 2019. The article calls for reflection on sector governance, staff training, and adaptation to technological advances, including artificial intelligence, to improve the quality of care and meet the needs of the population.

Governance, Healthcare system

The article "Security in the Gulf of Guinea Tested by the 'Great Overflow'" examines the security challenges arising from massive migrations from the Sahel to the Gulf of Guinea countries. This migration, driven by uncontrolled demographics and environmental degradation, leads to tensions related to land ownership, ethnic and religious balances, and the exploitation of natural resources. The newcomers, often impoverished and poorly educated, struggle to integrate with local populations, exacerbating social tensions. The article also criticizes the inaction of international organizations, such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in addressing this crisis. It warns that this situation could further destabilize the region, already facing significant security challenges

Migration, Security, Conflict, Démographie

The article "The Return of the Silent Force to Power in West Africa" by Bah Traoré, published on August 3, 2023, on WATHI, analyzes the resurgence of military coups in West Africa, particularly in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. These events echo the 1970s and 1980s, characterized by frequent coups. The author notes that the democratic transition initiated in the 1990s did not meet the populations' expectations regarding governance and reducing inequalities. In Niger, despite a relatively stable security situation compared to its neighbors, the military seized power, citing reasons similar to those in Mali and Burkina Faso. Niger has become a strategic base for Western countries in the fight against terrorism, while diversifying its partnerships, notably with Turkey for the acquisition of military drones.

Governance, Terrorism, Military activity, Coup d'État

The article "Digital Security in Niger" published in December 2021 by Agir Ensemble pour les Droits Humains (AEDH) examines the evolution of Niger's political, legal, and technological framework regarding digital matters. Since 2013, the country has organized forums on internet governance and established the National Agency for the Information Society (ANSI) in 2017, aiming to promote universal access to ICT. However, concerns have arisen about the repression of civil society, notably with the 2019-33 law on cybercrime, whose Article 31 penalizes the dissemination of data disturbing public order. This legislation has been used to target human rights defenders and journalists. Additionally, the 2020-19 law authorizes the interception of electronic communications, raising issues regarding privacy rights. Despite technological advancements, challenges remain in protecting digital rights and freedom of expression.

Security, Human Rights, Numérique, Cybercriminalité

The IFRI article (September 2022) examines the increasing fragility of African states, particularly in the Sahel, marked by hybrid governance where the state shares or even relinquishes its sovereign functions to non-state actors. This situation stems from the state's declining prominence in providing essential public services, such as education and security, now managed by private or community organizations. This involuntary delegation reflects a "de-administration" of peripheral and rural areas, indicating the state's inability to maintain authority across its entire territory. The article highlights the implications of this hybrid governance for development actors, especially those involved in state reconstruction, and calls for a thorough reflection on strategies to strengthen state presence and effectiveness in these regions.

Governance, Services publics

The article “Pastoralism and Security in West Africa and the Sahel” examines the causes of pastoralism-related conflicts in six countries: Mauritania, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria. It highlights the importance of pastoralism in these nations, while noting that the scale and dynamics of conflicts vary across national contexts. State policies and local practices toward different elevations also differ. The study recommends raising awareness of land laws, encouraging land rotation between farmers and herders, increasing investment in the livestock and agriculture sectors, and protecting local vegetation. It emphasizes the need for sustainable and inclusive solutions, both at the national and regional levels, to resolve these conflicts.

Pastoralism, Security, Conflict

The article "The Democratic Backslide in West Africa" examines the regression of democratic processes in this region, once considered a model of democratization. It highlights the resurgence of military coups, notably in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which undermine political stability. Simultaneously, human rights violations are increasing, with heightened repression of dissenting voices, media censorship, and arbitrary detentions, eroding fundamental freedoms. The article sheds light on the formation of informal alliances among authoritarian leaders, fostering the perpetuation of anti-democratic practices. This situation echoes post-independence periods marked by chronic political instability. The author calls for a deep reflection on mechanisms for democratic consolidation to reverse this concerning trend.

Governance, Democracy, Human Rights, Coup d'État, Instabilité