The article examines financial control mechanisms in the security sector in the Sahel, in a context marked by increasing political and security instability. It highlights the need to improve governance and transparency of spending allocated to security forces to strengthen citizens’ trust. Reforms involve close cooperation between parliaments, oversight institutions, civil society and the media. Particular attention is paid to structural challenges such as the ineffectiveness of legal frameworks and the limited application of existing mechanisms. Lessons drawn from evaluations in Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Niger call for rigorous and inclusive financial practices.

Governance, Security, Security Management, Réforme

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 World Bank article, published in February 2021, highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the most severe recession in the Sahel since independence, plunging an additional 1.3 million people into extreme poverty. This crisis is compounded by the escalation of violence, particularly in the tri-border region between Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, causing the displacement of 2 million people. To address these challenges, the World Bank is focusing its efforts on three main areas: Climate: Investing in restoring degraded land, increasing agricultural productivity and strengthening water security to develop climate-resilient food systems. Population: Focusing on educating girls and keeping them in school, particularly through the SWEDD project, to combat early marriage and promote women's empowerment. Infrastructure: Improving connectivity and promoting digital transformation, with projects aimed at providing access to electricity to millions of people. These initiatives aim to build a more sustainable and resilient future for the Sahel countries.

Governance, Climate change, Security, Development, Poverty, Women

The IRIS video, dated September 3, 2024, presents an exchange between Pascal Boniface and Caroline Roussy, Research Director and Head of the Africa/s Program, on the security and political situation in the Sahel, particularly in Burkina Faso, following the attack of August 24, 2024, one of the deadliest in the country's history. They discuss the worsening security crisis in the region, marked by a resurgence of terrorist attacks and growing political instability. The video also addresses the challenges faced by local governments and international forces in their fight against terrorism, as well as the implications for the civilian population. The speakers emphasize the importance of an integrated approach, combining military efforts, economic development and strengthening governance, to sustainably stabilize the region. They emphasize the need for increased cooperation between the Sahel states and the international community to address this multidimensional crisis.

Governance, Security, Jihad, Violence

Pascal Boniface's video "West Africa: Guns vs. the Ballot Box" examines recent military coups in West Africa, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea. These events highlight a democratic crisis fueled by the inability of civilian governments to address security and socio-economic challenges, compounded by jihadist threats. In this context, some populations support military interventions as an alternative to weak democratic institutions. The author also discusses the reactions of the international community, including ECOWAS, the UN, and the European Union, which condemn these coups while questioning the future of French engagement in the Sahel and the growing influence of new actors such as Russia in the region.

Election, Violence

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 multiple crises in the Sahel – armed conflict, political instability and climate change – particularly characterize women and girls. They are exposed to sexual violence, forced marriage and exploitation. Insecurity has displaced millions of people, including 78% of women and children in 2021, disrupting their access to education and essential services, and reinforcing traditional roles that limit their opportunities. In Mali, crises are exacerbating conservative social realities. Sexual violence, forced marriage, and female genital mutilation are commonplace, causing deep trauma. Access to health care, including maternal and reproductive health services, is limited. In 2022, 1,726 schools were closed, depriving 517,800 children of school, with girls particularly affected. Rural women, who are responsible for food security, are directly impacted by the impacts of climate change on their daily lives.Recommendations include gender-sensitive responses, improving women’s access to education and economic resources to strengthen their resilience. Supporting their active participation in crisis resolution and community well-being efforts is essential. Despite challenges, women demonstrate remarkable resilience, which is essential for a safer and more prosperous future.Recommendations include gender-sensitive responses, improving women’s access to education and economic resources to strengthen their resilience. Supporting their active participation in crisis resolution and community well-being efforts is essential. Despite challenges, women demonstrate remarkable resilience, which is essential for a safer and more prosperous future.

Education, Women, Vulnerability, Discrimination, Crisis

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