This country profile compiles 346 references on Burkina Faso, covering governance, security, peacebuilding, education, economy, and environment. Studies highlight the fragility of democracy, the role of traditional chieftaincies, and the reconfiguration of relations with ECOWAS, France, and Turkey. The security section (136 references) provides a detailed overview of the economy of armed groups, gold mining, arms proliferation, and the role of local militias (VDP). Human impacts are underlined, including violence against women and youth recruitment into armed groups. Peacebuilding and humanitarian analyses stress the need for local approaches and alternatives beyond military action. Thematic entries on youth, gender, health, and employment point both to vulnerabilities and resilience strategies. Environmental issues, especially pastoralism, are described as “polycrises,” illustrating the interconnections between security, climate, and agricultural crises in the Sahel. Overall, the report emphasizes the interplay of local dynamics with regional and global geopolitical shifts

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Jihad, Political Violence, Gold, Human security, Violence, Threat

This research paper explores the transformation of policies—legislative, legal, and institutional—related to gender-inclusive development across basic education, higher education, and scientific research in Côte d'Ivoire. Drawing on both primary data (interviews with key stakeholders in ministries and NGOs) and secondary sources (databases from ECOWAS, the African Union, and national ministries), the study finds that the coordinated implementation of international resolutions has significantly reduced gender disparities in basic education. While advancements are also noted in higher education, many challenges remain: lack of gender-disaggregated data, inadequate qualitative monitoring, and insufficient support for women’s progression in academic and research careers. The author concludes with actionable recommendations: enhance data collection systems, foster institutional cooperation, and elevate the status of female graduates in professional sectors to sustain gender equality gains.

Governance, Gender, Education, Politique publique

The Time to Teach report investigates primary school teacher absenteeism in Guinea‑Bissau—a critical barrier to delivering quality education. It identifies four distinct forms of absenteeism: school absence, tardiness/early departure, classroom absence, and reduced instructional time (time on task) . Using a mixed-methods approach—including school observations, surveys with 180 teachers, interviews, and focus groups across 20 schools—the study offers grounded insights . Findings reveal that 26% of teachers are absent at least once weekly, 23% regularly experience reduced time on task, and 22% frequently miss their classes . Self-managed schools report lower absenteeism, attributed to community involvement and financial incentives. Key factors supporting teacher presence include active school leadership, teacher job satisfaction, and training UNICEF. The study proposes policy recommendations aimed at improving employment conditions, bolstering community engagement, strengthening school leadership, enhancing teacher training, and ensuring learning continuity during school closures.

Governance, Education, Politique publique

The article “There will be no ECOWAS of the people with authoritarian states and gagged citizens,” by Pape Abdou Ndour, published on August 24, 2025 by WATHI – Think Tank citoyen, emphasizes that ECOWAS––founded in 1975––has fostered a sense of belonging among diverse West African populations and contributed significantly to regional peace and security. Yet, this anniversary coincides with troubling developments: the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, the normalization of violence, growing impunity, erosion of fundamental freedoms, and increasing militarization. The author argues that without adherence to democracy, rule of law, and citizens’ rights, there can be no “ECOWAS of the people.” The rising trend of sovereignty-driven resistance to integration is depicted as a serious threat to regional peace and development.

Politics, Governance, Democracy, Liberté, Regional integration

The Pastoral Surveillance Bulletin on Niger (No. 64, June–July 2025), published by Action Against Hunger (ACF), highlights improved pastoral conditions due to above-average rainfall, which boosted pasture regeneration and water availability. Overall, fodder resources are considered medium to sufficient, and livestock body condition is mostly fair, with some improvement noted. Nevertheless, localized biomass deficits, water shortages in specific areas, increased livestock theft, and community conflicts over resources remain challenges. Market analysis shows declining livestock prices, slight increases in cereal prices, and unfavorable terms of trade for herders. The report concludes with recommendations to strengthen vaccination campaigns, promote peaceful transhumance, ensure availability of fodder and cereals, and enhance risk preparedness in pastoral areas. It stresses the importance of continued support from state institutions, civil society, and humanitarian actors to secure pastoral livelihoods.

State, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Human security, Knowlege production, Information, Marché

The article “Future research directions for climate-sensitive social protection” examines the current limitations of social protection systems in addressing climate change impacts, with a focus on the Sahel. While vital for crisis mitigation, such programs face challenges of low coverage, weak integration of climate data, and limited resources. Based on a global review and a regional case study in the Sahel (notably Mauritania and Senegal), the paper argues that scaling up and adapting existing programs may be more effective than creating new ones. Two key research priorities are highlighted: improving climate risk assessments to better inform program design, and developing “dynamic social registries” that combine socio-economic and environmental data for targeted responses. The authors stress the need for longitudinal studies, systematic evaluations, and pragmatic approaches that link social protection, climate adaptation, and community resilience.

Climate change, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Education, Human security, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production, Protection

The article “Substantive democracy: an alternative for societies of resignation and silencing” examines democratic backsliding in West and Central Africa. Jean-Marc Segoun highlights “hybrid” regimes—whether civilian or military—sustaining power through gerontocracy, clientelism, militarization, and coercive use of law. These systems foster fear, resignation, and silence political opposition while curtailing fundamental freedoms. Recent examples include the dissolution of political parties in Mali, repression in Burkina Faso, civil rights restrictions in Côte d’Ivoire, and entrenched authoritarianism in Cameroon. The author argues that civil society must move beyond neutrality to become a political force proposing viable alternatives. This requires building networks, sharing practices, and inventing new paradigms suited to contexts of repression. “Substantive democracy” is proposed as a framework to resist authoritarianism, regenerate political thought, and offer pathways toward inclusive governance in societies where traditional democracy has been hollowed out.

Governance, Democracy, Civil Society

The Pastoral Surveillance Bulletin on Mali (No. 35, June-July 2025), published by Action Against Hunger, reports on pastoral resources and market dynamics in the regions of Timbuktu and Gao. Seasonal rains contributed to pasture regeneration and improved water availability, though access remains uneven and new shoots are often underutilized. Livestock body condition is mostly rated as fair, with suspected outbreaks of diseases such as peste des petits ruminants, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, and lumpy skin disease. Cattle theft was reported in 50% of monitoring sites, while insecurity remains high, especially in Gao. Markets are accessible, but terms of trade are still unfavorable to herders, despite a slight improvement (+14% increase in goat-to-millet exchange value). The report highlights the need for pasture rotation, stronger community veterinary networks, enhanced disease prevention, and improved conflict management.

Power, State, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Education, Gold, Human security, Marché

The Multisectoral Surveillance Bulletin for the regions of Timbuktu and Taoudénni (No. 13, June-July 2025), published by Action Against Hunger, provides updates on security, agriculture, pastoralism, and nutrition. Security incidents rose by 84%, reflecting continued armed group pressure. Early flooding of the Niger River raised concerns in riverside communities, while farming activities advanced with expanded rice and millet areas. Pasture conditions were rated from fair to poor, and livestock body conditions remained weak despite improved water access. Global acute malnutrition reached 9,177 cases in Timbuktu (+10%) and 787 in Taoudénni (down from previous months), driven by seasonal food shortages and disease. Malaria cases declined by 34% in Timbuktu but rose by 12% in Taoudénni. The report recommends strengthening access to agricultural inputs, animal vaccination, health prevention measures, and food assistance to displaced households.

State, Pastoralism, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Family, Gold, Human security, Health, Fishing