Le policy brief "Approches possibles pour améliorer les relations France-Afrique" examine la dégradation des relations entre la France et plusieurs pays africains, notamment au Sahel. Ces tensions découlent de politiques paternalistes et de l’héritage colonial, aggravés par des crises récentes comme les expulsions d’ambassadeurs et le retrait des troupes françaises de pays comme le Mali, le Burkina Faso et le Niger. L'article recommande de rompre avec la diplomatie à géométrie variable et les approches sécuritaires, tout en promouvant une vision décoloniale des relations bilatérales. Il met en avant la nécessité de réformer les pratiques diplomatiques, de soutenir les mouvements citoyens locaux, et d’engager des politiques inclusives pour restaurer la confiance. Enfin, il souligne l'importance de restituer les œuvres culturelles et de reconnaître pleinement l'héritage colonial.

Power, State, Security, Conflict, Human security, Influence, Cooperation, Threat, Dialogue, Information

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 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 "Human Rights in Africa" features an interview with Alioune Tine, founder of Afrikajom Center, assessing the state of human rights on the continent. He highlights that the situation is particularly dire in conflict-affected countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where human rights violations are rampant and often committed with impunity, including by national and foreign military forces. Tine also criticizes the weakness of regional mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as the inefficacy of national institutions in countries like Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal, where fundamental freedoms are under threat. He calls for strengthening democratic institutions, respecting constitutions, and better involvement of civil society to promote and protect human rights in Africa.

Conflict, Human Rights, Impunity

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

This article explores the integration of seasonal climate forecasts into adaptive social protection (ASP) systems in the Sahel. The authors emphasize that communities in the region heavily rely on seasonal rainfall for their livelihoods. By combining climate forecasts with livelihood information, actions can be triggered ahead of shocks, reducing the time needed for needs assessments before delivering a response. The World Bank's Sahel Adaptive Social Protection Programme (SASPP) is highlighted as a major initiative aimed at building resilience among populations facing climate hazards. Mauritania, as one of the six countries targeted by the SASPP, actively participates in this initiative by implementing adaptive social protection systems to help vulnerable populations better cope with climate shocks. The article also identifies challenges, including the variability in the quality of climate forecasts and the difficulty of integrating these forecasts into existing early warning systems. The authors recommend enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, improved understanding of climate impacts on livelihoods, and sustained investment in climate research and services.

Climate change, Food security, Adaptive social protection

The infographic maps civil societies in the Sahel, distinguishing eight ecosystems (citizenship, development aid, charity, trade union, cultural, humanitarian, local associations, religious). It analyzes their varied dynamics according to the countries and proposes ways to adapt support for local development, by integrating socio-political contexts, social proximity and sustainability.

Politics, Political party, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Development, Gold, Social, Civil Society