The article titled "One Year Later: The Sahel States Alliance Between Promises of Integration and Opportunism" examines the formation and evolution of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), established in September 2023 by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Initially designed as a mutual defense pact in response to ECOWAS's military intervention threats following the July 2023 coup in Niger, the AES quickly expanded its ambitions. By July 2024, the three countries announced the creation of a political and economic confederation, symbolizing their resistance to external, particularly Western, influences. This initiative raises questions about its viability and geopolitical implications, especially since similar regional cooperation efforts, such as the Liptako-Gourma Integrated Development Authority (ALG) in 1970 and the G5 Sahel in 2014, faced challenges related to funding and political rivalries. The article also highlights internal tensions and potential opportunistic motivations behind this alliance, questioning its solidity and future prospects.

Sovereignty, Governance

The article analyzes health systems in West Africa and proposes actions to improve their efficiency. He noted the progress made, although hampered by conflicts and health crises like Ebola. States are struggling to finance their health systems, leading to inequalities in access to care. WATHI recommends five areas of action: strengthening prevention, training and better distributing health professionals, improving sector financing, optimizing the daily management of health infrastructures and developing research and regional cooperation. Emphasis is placed on the need for citizen and political commitment for sustainable reforms, taking into account the limited resources of the countries concerned.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Education, Gold, Health, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

The article analyzes health systems in West Africa and proposes actions to improve their efficiency. He noted the progress made, although hampered by conflicts and health crises like Ebola. States are struggling to finance their health systems, leading to inequalities in access to care. WATHI recommends five areas of action: strengthening prevention, training and better distributing health professionals, improving sector financing, optimizing the daily management of health infrastructures and developing research and regional cooperation. Emphasis is placed on the need for citizen and political commitment for sustainable reforms, taking into account the limited resources of the countries concerned.

State, Economic Development, Inequality, Religious education, Education, Development, Discrimination, Soicial sciences, Knowlege production, EMPLOYMENT

The article entitled “Being a girl and disabled in West Africa: The educational situation in question – Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso” by Danielle TAN, published by Handicap International in 2020, examines the educational challenges faced by girls with disabilities in these countries. He emphasizes that the absence of precise data on disability hinders the implementation of adapted educational responses. Estimates indicate that around 40% of children with disabilities are out of primary school and 55% are out of lower secondary school in low-income countries. The literacy rate for adults with disabilities is 3%, and only 1% for women. In Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, less than 5% of children with disabilities are enrolled in primary school. Specialized structures, often located in large cities, are insufficient and expensive. In Burkina Faso, pioneering organizations have been working for inclusive education since the 1970s, but a lack of funding limits the scale of their projects. Since 2007, these countries have gradually developed inclusive education strategies, but the challenges remain numerous, particularly due to an often medical approach to disability and a lack of concrete inclusive educational policies.

Gender, Women, Disability

The article entitled “CEMAC: Transport, migration and economic challenges for sustainable development”, written by Nkou Sébastien and published on January 17, 2025 by WATHI, examines the macroeconomic challenges facing the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) due to fluctuations in the prices of raw materials and oil. It highlights the importance of harmonizing economic systems and implementing structural transformations to ensure lasting monetary stability. The article highlights the essential role of transport infrastructure in regional economic development, identifying issues such as road safety and insufficient infrastructure. It also addresses intraregional mobility, emphasizing that the free movement of people is essential to strengthen economic and social integration within CEMAC. Finally, the author calls for a strategic repositioning of leadership within CEMAC to better meet current challenges.

Governance, Economic Development, Migration, Development

The article “Gender, violence and violent extremism in Africa” by Fredline M'Cormack-Hale, published by the African Security Sector Network (ASSN) in 2022, explores the link between gender, violence and violent extremism (VE) in Africa. It draws on 14 research projects in 12 African countries to understand why young people, including women, join or resist extremist groups. The study demonstrates that women are not only victims, but also actors of EV, playing various roles ranging from logistical support to direct participation in combat. Researchers emphasize the importance of inclusive policies adapted to local specificities, integrating women not only as beneficiaries, but also as stakeholders in strategies to combat extremism. The article also emphasizes the need for policies facilitating the reintegration of women who have left these extremist groups.

Gender, Security, Political Violence, Education, Human security, Violence, Threat, Soicial sciences, Knowlege production, EMPLOYMENT

The article "Turkey: drone diplomacy in the Sahel" by Bah Traoré, published on February 14, 2025 by WATHI, examines Turkey's growing influence in the Sahel. Ankara combines political diplomacy, economic exchanges and military assistance, with a focus on the use of drones to strengthen its presence in the region. This approach aims to compete with other powers such as France, Russia and the United States.

Governance, Military activity, Cooperation, Diplomacy

The article “Gender inequalities, climate inequalities in Africa” explores the links between gender disparities and the impacts of climate change on the African continent. It highlights that women are often most affected by environmental consequences due to specific social roles and limited access to resources. The article highlights the importance of integrating a gender perspective into climate policies to ensure effective adaptation and resilience.

Gender, Climate change

Olivier Corten's article, published by the Group for Research and Information on Peace and Security (GRIP) on October 9, 2023, analyzes the political crisis in Niger following the coup d'état of July 26, 2023 which overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum. It examines the international reaction, notably that of ECOWAS, which considered military intervention to restore constitutional order. The author highlights the legal limits of the use of force according to international law, recalling that the UN Charter prohibits any military intervention without authorization from the Security Council. He emphasizes that neither the ECOWAS legal framework nor a possible call for help from Bazoum justifies legitimate intervention. Finally, he warns of the risks of regional fragmentation and the dangerous precedent that could represent such action.

State, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Education, Gold, Human security, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production