The article "False Choices: U.S. Policy toward Coastal West Africa and the Sahel", written by Judd Devermont and published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on June 24, 2021, examines U.S. policy in coastal West Africa and the Sahel. It emphasizes that the United States has enduring interests in both subregions, with a renewed commitment to countering violent extremism, checking authoritarianism, and challenging malign Chinese and Russian activities and influence. Since the 2000s, especially after the 2012 coup in Mali, the U.S. has increased its security, development, and humanitarian engagement in the Sahel. However, worrying security trends in coastal West Africa are prompting a strategic recalibration. The article suggests that the U.S. should adopt an integrated approach, recognizing the interdependence between the Sahel and coastal West Africa, by implementing policies that simultaneously address democratic backsliding, drivers of violent extremism, and malign Chinese and Russian influences.

Governance, Security, Extremism, Violence

The article entitled "Nigeria: The climate crisis fuels conflicts and terrorism", written by Raphaël D. and published on the Mr Mondialisation website in January 2021, analyzes the impact of climate change on security in Nigeria. The country is experiencing increasing desertification, particularly in the north, involving arable land and pastures. This situation pushes nomadic herders to migrate south, leading to conflicts with local sedentary farmers. These tensions have reached a critical level of violence, causing as many casualties as the terrorist group Boko Haram. Climate disruption thus favors the development of terrorist groups, who take advantage of the instability to carry out deadly raids and pillaging, financing part of their operations through the sale of stolen livestock. Government measures, such as the National Livestock Transformation Plan, are taken into account for their inadequacy to the needs of breeders, exacerbating existing tensions.

Agriculture, Livestock, Climate change, Security, Conflict, Terrorism

The article, titled "NATO and Security Challenges in the Saharo-Sahelian Region in the Era of New Geopolitical Realities," analyzes the growing security challenges in the Saharo-Sahelian region, including the proliferation of terrorist groups, arms and drug trafficking, and political instability. Author Rabah Aynaou examines NATO's potential role in this area, considering new geopolitical dynamics. He suggests that NATO strengthen its cooperation with regional countries and organizations to enhance security and stability. The article also emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach, including economic and social development initiatives, to address the root causes of insecurity.

Governance, Security, Cooperation

This article explores the complex relationship between climate change and conflicts in the Sahel. Author Luca Raineri questions the often-assumed link between environmental degradation and the rise of terrorism in the region. Poorly designed programs, such as the Great Green Wall and anti-desertification measures, have sometimes worsened tensions by marginalizing local communities. Authoritarian environmental protection policies have enabled extremist groups to exploit local frustrations. The article advocates for inclusive approaches, based on nuanced socio-political analyses, to avoid ineffective one-size-fits-all policies. Participatory natural resource management is highlighted as a sustainable solution to mitigate conflicts and prevent terrorism.

Climate change, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Jihad, Political Violence, Human security, Violence, Threat, Knowlege production

The article examines the complex situation in central Mali, where individuals posing as jihadists or traditional hunters (Dozos) exacerbate intercommunal tensions. Jihadists exploit the historical heritage of the Fulani to legitimize their presence, while non-Fulani militias disguise themselves as Dozos to justify actions against the Fulani. This dynamic increases polarization, trapping civilians between these armed groups. Stereotypes and amalgamations contribute to unjustified reprisals, fueling a cycle of violence that further undermines social cohesion and regional stability.

Conflict, Jihad

The article examines the communication challenges faced by Ghanaian health professionals when treating French-speaking refugees, particularly Ivorians who arrived in Ghana following the political crises of 2010-2011. These refugees are mainly housed in Ampain, Egyeikrom and Fetentaa camps. The language barrier between English-speaking medical staff and French-speaking patients compromises the quality of care. The authors recommend training in medical French for Ghanaian health staff, the development of an adapted bilingual curriculum and immersion internships in French-speaking countries, such as Côte d'Ivoire. They also propose the training of specialized medical interpreters to facilitate interactions when direct communication is difficult. These measures aim to improve patient-physician communication and ensure quality care for French-speaking refugees in Ghana.

Culture, Health, refugee

This report, titled "A Pandora's Box: Burkina Faso, Self-Defense Militias, and the VDP Law in the Fight Against Jihadism", authored by Antonin Tisseron and published by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) in 2021, examines the role of self-defense groups in Burkina Faso. It explores the rise of Koglweogo militias, Dozo hunters, and Da Nan Ambassagou, along with the establishment of Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP). While these groups address gaps in state security, they also present challenges such as escalating intercommunity violence and weakening the state’s monopoly on legitimate violence. The author stresses that the 2020 VDP law, although strategic, requires stronger implementation to prevent abuses and ensure lasting social cohesion.

State, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Political Violence, Gold, Military activity, Human security, Violence, Threat

This article addresses the challenges of Education in Emergency Situations (EiE) in the Sahel, a region plagued by security, climate, and economic crises. It offers five operational recommendations to enhance the educational response, including investments in coordination, data collection, decentralized education funding, and community mobilization. The study highlights the need for tailored educational alternatives and more effective financing mechanisms to address current shortcomings. The authors emphasize the importance of an inclusive and sustainable approach to ensure educational continuity in the face of chronic crises.

Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Development, Family, Gold, Vulnerability, Threat, Crisis

The study "Security and Judicial Cooperation in West Africa to Combat Jihadist Armed Groups" examines regional initiatives addressing the jihadist threat in West Africa. The author highlights the Accra Initiative, an intergovernmental mechanism focused on information sharing, security force training, and joint operations. Military cooperation between Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso, as well as challenges in judicial collaboration, are explored. The study emphasizes limited successes, institutional barriers, and the need for political momentum to enhance these efforts.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Jihad, Terrorism, Gold, Human security, Cooperation