The “Ça fait débat avec Wathi” episode highlights that the moral failure of many political leaders worldwide threatens democracy and social peace. Guests emphasize that abuses of power, corruption, populism, and disregard for public ethics fuel violence and fear of the future. This crisis of trust affects both major Western democracies and African nations, where authoritarian drift undermines social cohesion. The speakers call for an ethical renewal, the restoration of integrity, and accountability from leaders to prevent conflict escalation and safeguard democratic balance.

Politics, Bribery, Governance, Peace, Democracy, Violence

The pastoral monitoring bulletin for February–March 2025, published by ACF, VSF-B, RBM, and RECOPA, assesses the pastoral situation in Burkina Faso. This period marks the transition between the cold and hot dry seasons, with widespread drying of temporary water points and declining natural pastures, worsened by bushfires. Transhumance movements, especially toward the south, are disrupted due to ongoing insecurity, closure of pastoral corridors, and tensions with crop farmers. The body condition of livestock is fair overall, although some animal diseases have been reported. Market access remains limited in several areas, with rising food prices and deteriorating terms of trade. The security context continues to restrict movement, while the presence of internally displaced persons (IDPs) adds further pressure on already strained resources.

State, Pastoralism, Boundary, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Development, Human security, Marché, Transhumance

The February–March 2025 Pastoral Monitoring Bulletin, published by Action Against Hunger, highlights key challenges for pastoralism in the Sahel. This transition period between the cold and hot dry seasons is characterized by the drying up of temporary water points and widespread bushfires that have reduced forage availability. Nevertheless, pasture remains generally sufficient. Seasonal transhumance movements are mainly downward, but abnormal or forced movements linked to insecurity are also reported. The body condition of livestock ranges from fair to satisfactory, although suspected disease outbreaks are noted. Cereal and livestock prices are mostly rising, but terms of trade remain unfavorable for herders in many areas. Livestock theft, limited market access, and the arrival of refugees are further complicating conditions in certain regions.

State, Pastoralism, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Education, Human security, Insécurité

This country profile on Mauritania reviews political, security, economic, and social developments since 2020, focusing on the period under President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani. It discusses attempts at democratic reform, ongoing challenges in tackling corruption, and the ambiguous stance on human rights. The document also highlights northern security tensions, refugee reintegration issues, and growing socio-economic inequalities. Additionally, it provides insight into the country's natural resources (gold, iron, gas), pastoralism, and environmental concerns. Finally, the profile emphasizes Mauritania’s complex geopolitical position, straddling North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

Politics, Political party, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Jihad, Terrorism, Education, Human security

This Policy Brief by Sten Hagberg examines the effects of population displacement on the rapid urbanisation of secondary cities in the Sahel, focusing on Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. It discusses the strain on public services, the growth of informal settlements, shifting family and gender dynamics, and the securitisation and mistrust targeting displaced populations. Displaced persons mostly seek refuge in under-resourced regional cities. The Brief highlights political tensions around official displacement categories and promotes analysis through “practical norms” — real-life social and urban governance practices. It concludes with a call for more qualitative research to better understand these urban dynamics and support displaced populations.

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

The article “L’influence des leaders religieux musulmans sur la politique au Mali”, by Pape Abdou Ndour (Bah Traoré), published April 14, 2023 by WATHI, examines the growing political influence of Muslim religious leaders in Mali. Although Mali is officially secular, religious dignitaries have strengthened their role: they sway public opinion, direct voting behaviour, pressure the government, and can influence law adoption (such as the 2009 Family Code). The piece highlights figures like Mahmoud Dicko and the High Islamic Council, who played roles in political crises—organizing protests, mediating conflicts, and influencing constitutional reforms. The debate over secularism has resurfaced with a new constitution: some leaders advocate for an “Islamic” or multiconfessional state and oppose secularism. The author emphasizes the leaders’ roles as mediators, political influencers, and sometimes decisive actors in Mali’s political life.

Culture, Politics, Governance, Influence

The article by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, published on July 5, 2023 (updated May 10, 2024), details Russia’s extensive interference across Africa aimed at undermining democracy. Russia employs both official means (UN resolution blocks) and irregular tactics (disinformation, Wagner paramilitary group, illicit arms deals) to bolster authoritarian regimes and obstruct democratic transitions. Russian influence has been documented in 28 African countries. The report highlights how disinformation campaigns, electoral manipulation, and support for unconstitutional power grabs are interwoven to sustain anti-democratic governance. This strategy weakens institutions, distorts public discourse, and undermines the will of African citizens who largely support democracy. The analysis warns of long-term consequences for national sovereignty and democratic resilience across the continent.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Education, Democracy, Election, Influence, Infowar, Information

The article “Crises and Knowledge Production: A State of Universities in the Sahel”, published by WATHI on June 26, 2024, highlights how political instability, terrorism, and chronic underfunding have severely weakened universities in the Sahel. These institutions suffer from repeated strikes, staff emigration, reduced budgets, and a lack of connection between academic research and policymaking. Yet, universities hold critical potential to understand and address crises through interdisciplinary research. However, a major gap persists between academic outputs and their integration into decision-making processes. The article calls for a shift: universities should be recognized as strategic centers for crisis analysis. It recommends enhanced investment in local research, stronger collaboration between scholars and policymakers, and efforts to ensure that knowledge production informs public policy and societal needs.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Social, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

One year after Bassirou Diomaye Faye (PASTEF) was elected President of Senegal, this report reviews key reforms undertaken. The year was marked by a transition period, the appointment of technocrats, and judicial reforms including the creation of a Financial Judicial Unit. Despite economic measures (price cuts, public finance audits, the launch of “Senegal 2050”), the high cost of living remains a challenge. In foreign policy, the government has asserted its sovereignty by initiating the closure of French military bases and renegotiating international agreements. However, public expectations remain high, particularly concerning gender parity, transparency, reduction of state spending, and youth employment. Political debate still overshadows substantive discussions on public policy reforms.

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