This study, conducted in Mali, Niger, and Togo, analyzes the sociocultural, economic, and legal determinants of child marriage (CM) and proposes empowering girls as a strategy to combat it. Despite national laws, traditional and religious norms, particularly Islam, favor the continuation of this practice. Child marriage is often perceived as a protection mechanism against out-of-wedlock pregnancies, a religious obligation, or an economic survival strategy. The low educational attainment of girls and poverty exacerbate the phenomenon. The research mobilized a multidisciplinary and mixed-methods approach, involving qualitative and quantitative surveys. The authors recommend greater involvement of community actors and a change in social norms. Empowering girls through education and economic skills is essential to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty and domination.

Gender, Natural ressources, Political Violence, Education, Family, Gold, Threat, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

The article titled "Nous ne sommes peut-être pas instruites mais nous avons beaucoup d’abnégation et savons qui nous sommes, avec beaucoup d’expérience sur le terrain politique" features the testimony of Adja Absa Laye Souaré, a fish seller and municipal councilor in Thiès, Senegal. Active in politics since 1986, she has successively been involved with the Socialist Party, the Senegalese Democratic Party, and later Rewmi. She emphasizes that, although some women lack formal education, they possess significant determination and political experience. Adja Absa Laye Souaré highlights the importance of active female participation in decision-making bodies and denounces their instrumentalization in politics. She calls for increased support to strengthen women's capacities and promote their access to leadership positions, considering their close ties with local populations as a major asset for local development.

Gender, Development, Women, Political participation, Inclusion

This study examines the labor market inclusion of young Nigeriens (18-35 years old), focusing on gender and poverty dynamics. It reveals that largely underemployed youth rely heavily on informal self-employment, with limited income security and restricted access to productive assets. The high cost of education significantly hinders labor market integration, particularly for the poorest. Migration is perceived as an opportunity, but it is often too costly and risky. Young women, particularly vulnerable, are increasingly entering the labor market to support their families, despite rigid gender norms. Changing social norms, community initiatives (such as tontines and support groups), and NGO support are key factors in youth inclusion. The report emphasizes the importance of accessible and relevant training and highlights how Niger's sociopolitical context shapes poverty trajectories and youth labor market participation.

Politics, Political party, Inequality, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Gold, Poverty, EMPLOYMENT

The podcast addresses the release of shocking videos showing acts of extreme violence in the Solenzo region of western Burkina Faso on March 10 and 11, 2025. These videos, analyzed by Human Rights Watch, reveal the presence of local militias, including the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP), involved in summary executions of civilians, including women and children. The article emphasizes the need not to become accustomed to such atrocities and calls for collective awareness to combat the normalization of extreme violence, which represents an existential threat to Burkina Faso and the entire region.

Security, Political Violence, Military activity, Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP)

Despite improvements in certain indicators, the Nigerien healthcare system remains precarious and dominated by a logic of "inhospitable medicine." This fragility is largely explained by the predominance of intervention mechanisms and public policies largely dictated and funded by international donors, often far removed from local dynamics and the operational realities of healthcare services. However, in this constrained context, certain structures stand out for the quality of the care they provide. They are unique in that they are led by committed local actors, true "shadow reformers," who design pragmatic and contextually adapted solutions to daily dysfunctions. Based on an ethnographic investigation, this article examines the logics of innovation at work in these marginal spaces of transformation. Drawing on operational research, it argues for recognition and increased support for these bottom-up reform dynamics, which are likely to constitute a credible alternative – or at least a necessary complement – ​​to conventional approaches to improving health systems.

Politics, Governance, Public Administration, Health, Réforme, Politique publique

Despite some improvements, Niger's healthcare system remains fragile, characterized by "unwelcoming medical practices." Reform policies, often funded by international aid, struggle to adapt to the local realities of healthcare services. However, some facilities are providing better quality care thanks to "local reformers" who develop innovative solutions adapted to daily challenges, despite precarious working conditions. This article analyzes these local innovations using ethnographic data and proposes to explore "bottom-up" approaches to reforming the healthcare system, in addition to current strategies.

Governance, Public Administration, Health, Politique publique, Healthcare system

Action Against Hunger's 2024 regional report assesses biomass production in the Sahel and West Africa. Following a poor rainy season in 2023, 2024 was marked by abundant rainfall, particularly in the central Sahel, leading to exceptional biomass yields in Niger, Chad, and Burkina Faso. In contrast, coastal countries and some agricultural areas of Mali, Senegal, and southern Chad recorded moderate to low biomass production. Despite sufficient overall resource availability, access is hampered by insecurity, restrictions on livestock mobility, and pressure on grazing land. The report highlights the importance of sustainable resource management, support for pastoralists, and facilitating cross-border transhumance before the 2025 dry season.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Development, Gold, Poverty, Human security, Vulnerability, Knowlege production

The Pastoral Surveillance Bulletin for Niger (No. 61, Dec. 2024 - Jan. 2025) provides a generally positive assessment of the pastoral situation. Pasture is widely available thanks to good rainfall, while bushfires have decreased compared to the previous period. Surface water remains sufficient in most sites, and livestock body condition is considered good to fair. However, several suspected cases of animal diseases (sheep pox, foot-and-mouth disease, etc.) have been recorded, although these have been brought under control by veterinary services. There has also been a slight increase in livestock thefts. Markets are open, with good availability of livestock feed. Livestock and grain prices are rising, but terms of trade have improved, favoring pastoralists. The bulletin recommends continued vaccination, awareness-raising, and monitoring of pastoral resources.

Pastoralism, Livestock, Food security, Marché, Transhumance

This article examines the intersection between the politics of regionalism and security politics by analyzing the recent reorganization of regions. It explores how political communities are transforming into security regions, focusing on the political and security dynamics that influence these transformations. The study highlights the key factors contributing to this evolution and analyzes the implications for regional governance and international cooperation. It also highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with this transformation of regional structures.

Politics, Governance, Security, Cooperation, Coopération régionale