The article “Niger: Advocacy for Rural Youth” highlights that, although political discourses in Niger often focus on school-going urban youth, the majority of young people live in rural areas. These young people, often illiterate or out of school, face challenges such as early marriage, child labor, and limited access to education. Obstacles include poverty, food insecurity, distance from schools, and socio-cultural norms. In addition, the lack of economic prospects makes these young people vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups. The article calls for increased recognition of rural youth and appropriate public policies to improve their living conditions and provide them with opportunities for the future.

Culture, Education, Extremism, Food security, Poverty, Rural Areas, Mariage précoce

The article “Malnutrition at the heart of the One Health approach” highlights the importance of nutrition within the framework of the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal and environmental health. It notes that the number of undernourished people is increasing, with 70 million people suffering from hunger in West Africa. Malnutrition particularly affects pregnant women and children, leading to reduced immunity and increased child mortality. Climate change is exacerbating these challenges by disrupting food systems. The article calls for concerted action to strengthen food and nutrition security, taking into account the interactions between human, animal and environmental health, in order to effectively address current health challenges.

Climate change, Food security, Health

The WATHI article highlights the risks associated with the proliferation of weapons destined for Ukraine, which could be diverted to unstable regions such as the Sahel. Institutions such as Europol and UNODC warn that the massive influx of weapons into Ukraine provides opportunities for criminal networks and traffickers, exploiting gaps in control systems. This situation recalls historical precedents where weapons, initially supplied for specific conflicts, have fuelled violence in other regions. The Sahel, already weakened by the presence of armed groups such as JNIM, EIGS and Boko Haram, is particularly vulnerable to these illicit flows. Countries in this region, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, could see their stability further compromised. Faced with this threat, the article calls for strengthened regional cooperation, rigorous traceability of weapons and increased awareness of the international community to prevent further instability in the Sahel.

Security, Cooperation, Violence, Illegal activity, Groupes armés non étatiques, Trafic

The paper examines the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on the Western Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, highlighting an average GDP contraction of 2.6% in 2020 for the seven countries studied, due to the decline in foreign trade and investment. The agriculture, telecommunications and electricity sectors have been more resilient, thanks in part to subsidies. The pandemic has exacerbated poverty, inequality and difficulties in accessing health care, particularly due to income loss and school closures, affecting children’s educational outcomes. Response measures, such as border closures and curfews, have directly impacted livelihoods, fuelling social tensions. The paper recommends strengthening national development plans, investing in local agricultural production and improving social protection mechanisms to promote an inclusive and resilient future in the region.

Economic Development, Poverty, Crisis

The report "The sovereignist turning point in Mali" analyzes the trajectory adopted by the Malian authorities since they came to power in 2021 after two coups d'état. The transitional government has established a sovereignist policy, rejecting old Western influences and adopting a pan-Africanist discourse. This choice, popular with young people seeking change, has led to economic, security and diplomatic ruptures, particularly with France. However, this shift carries risks: loss of international aid and authoritarian drift. The report recommends a balanced sovereign, reinvesting in social sectors and renewing peaceful relations with partners. The success of this trajectory depends on inclusive governance and the restoration of security.

Sovereignty, Governance

Crisis Group’s article “Central Sahel: At the Eye of the Storm” analyses the multidimensional crisis in the Central Sahel, spanning Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. The region is facing a combination of armed conflict, political instability, humanitarian crises and environmental challenges. Violence by jihadist groups and inter-communal tensions have led to massive population displacement, exacerbating an already precarious humanitarian situation. Local governments, often fragile, are struggling to restore security and provide basic services, while international interventions have yet to provide sustainable solutions. The article highlights the urgent need for an integrated approach, combining security efforts, economic development and political dialogue, to sustainably stabilise the region.

Conflict, Jihad, Violence, Crisis, Insécurité

The security crisis in West Africa and the Sahel exacerbates the vulnerability of these regions to climate change. Conflicts hamper the governance of natural resources, which are essential for the global energy transition. Regional institutions, such as ECOWAS and the African Union, are weakened, compromising their ability to respond effectively to climate challenges. According to the IPCC, these areas are among the most vulnerable to future climate fluctuations. Demands for climate justice coincide with aspirations for social justice, particularly among African youth. Securing the management of strategic minerals is crucial for the industrialization and economic development of producer countries. It is imperative to integrate security considerations into international climate negotiations to ensure effective implementation of climate agendas in the Sahel and West Africa

Climate change, Environment, Natural ressources, Security, Vulnerability

The article discusses military dominance in Mali in the context of the political transition. General Assimi Goïta recently dismissed Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga following growing tensions and public criticism of the military's management. Latent disagreements between the two leaders, masked by a fragile alliance, have finally erupted. The military, although having integrated civilian figures into the government, controls all decisions. This dismissal reflects the armed forces' control over the transition and highlights the absence of real countervailing powers.

Governance, Military activity, Transition

The article looks back at the 2024 legislative elections in Senegal, marked by political tensions and an unprecedented parliamentary configuration. After the victory of Bassirou Diomaye Faye in the presidential election of March 2024, the objective is to secure a parliamentary majority to implement the promised reforms, particularly in terms of governance and the fight against corruption. The major issues include the consolidation of presidential power and the modernization of infrastructure. The election, with a mixed majority and proportional system, aims to renew the 165 seats in the National Assembly while breaking the political cohabitation inherited from the 2022 elections.

Power, Governance, Election, Réforme