The article "Is the Sahel Crisis an Agrarian Crisis?" examines the underlying causes of instability in the Sahel region, characterized by a series of coups d'état and deteriorating diplomatic relations, notably with France. It emphasizes that in countries where the majority of the population is rural and dependent on agriculture, political and security crises are closely linked to agrarian issues. Challenges such as soil degradation, climate change, population growth, and land conflicts exacerbate social and economic tensions. These factors contribute to the emergence of violence and political instability. The article suggests that to understand and resolve the Sahel crisis, it is essential to address agrarian issues and support rural development.

Governance, Agriculture, Climate change, Food security, Insécurité

The document explores the violent conflicts linked to the artisanal and semi-mechanized gold mining sector in Burkina Faso, particularly in the Sahel and South-West regions. The study identifies traditional conflicts (between artisans, with landowners and industrialists) and emerging conflicts (involving armed groups). It analyzes the causes of these conflicts, such as control of resources and cultural tensions, as well as their escalation due to the presence of armed groups. The report offers an assessment of positivist and denialist theoretical approaches to peaceful resolution, aimed at promoting societal cohesion

Politics, Governance, Gold

The document "Analysis of Political and Security Developments in the Sahel and West Africa" delves into the pressing challenges faced by the region in September 2024. Security concerns dominate, with the resurgence of terrorist groups like Boko Haram and expansions into new areas. Affected countries, grappling with delicate political transitions and social emergencies, seek to strengthen regional and international security partnerships. Meanwhile, specific events, including coup accusations, migration crises, and internal conflicts, highlight political fragility in nations like Niger, Burkina Faso, and Côte d’Ivoire. These dynamics underscore a continuous struggle for stability amidst persistent terrorist threats and prolonged political transitions.

Politics, Governance

The report focuses on Mauritania's Strategic Plan (DSP) 2019-2023, which aims to eradicate hunger and build resilience to crises. It highlights efforts to align the plan with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals. The World Food Program (WFP) has provided assistance to 1.2 million people, including during the pandemic and droughts, while integrating activities focused on social protection and resilience. Despite the progress observed, challenges remain: lack of flexible funding, insufficient coordination and limited inclusion of cross-cutting issues such as gender equality.

Governance, Agriculture, Economic Development, Livestock, Gender, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Development, Food security, Human security, Social

The document explores the issues surrounding digital sovereignty in West Africa in 2024, examining both the challenges and prospects for achieving digital autonomy. Faced with rising cyber threats, West African countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal must strengthen their cybersecurity and manage their dependence on foreign infrastructure, particularly from China and Russia. The text analyzes the risks of losing control over data and increased vulnerability to cyberattacks, while also highlighting ongoing digital sovereignty initiatives. These initiatives include developing local infrastructure and implementing policies to protect data; however, they encounter significant obstacles such as a lack of expertise, low investment, and reliance on imported technologies.

Sovereignty, Governance, Economic Development, Security, Conflict, Education, Development, Human security, Threat, Information, EMPLOYMENT

Resistance, Alternation, Sovereignty" delves into Mali's socio-political developments since the 2020 crisis, highlighted by the ousting of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta and subsequent political transitions. Coordinated by Sten Hagberg, the book analyzes popular mobilizations against corruption and mismanagement, embodied by the June 5 Movement - Rally of Patriotic Forces (M5-RFP). It also examines the role of international actors like ECOWAS and the growing tensions between Mali and its partners, particularly France. The work sheds light on the popular desire to rebuild a "Mali Kura" (New Mali) while contextualizing the security, political, and socio-economic challenges. It adopts a citizen-centric approach to the perceptions and struggles amidst change, drawing comparative insights with other regional crises.

Politics, State, Sovereignty, Governance, Security, Justice, Human security, Social

The document explores the issues surrounding digital sovereignty in West Africa in 2024, examining both the challenges and prospects for achieving digital autonomy. Faced with rising cyber threats, West African countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal must strengthen their cybersecurity and manage their dependence on foreign infrastructure, particularly from China and Russia. The text analyzes the risks of losing control over data and increased vulnerability to cyberattacks, while also highlighting ongoing digital sovereignty initiatives. These initiatives include developing local infrastructure and implementing policies to protect data; however, they encounter significant obstacles such as a lack of expertise, low investment, and reliance on imported technologies.

Sovereignty, Governance, Information, Numérique, Donnée

This policy brief examines the influx of Burkinabe refugees into coastal West African countries (Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin), fleeing both jihadist and state violence. Host countries implement varied reception strategies—refugee camps in Côte d’Ivoire, community-based or hybrid models elsewhere. Despite generally open policies, rising tensions stem from competition over local resources and perceptions of insecurity, especially toward Fulani pastoralist communities. Ghana notably conducted mass expulsions. The report advocates for flexible but structured policies, emphasizing local dialogue, systematic refugee registration, and equitable support to host communities. Maintaining an open-door policy is presented as crucial to prevent radicalization and preserve social cohesion in the face of prolonged displacement and regional instability.

Governance, Migration, Boundary, Conflict, Violence, refugee