The article discusses the increasing role of Malian civil society in the post-coup democratic transition. Despite challenges in governance and security, organizations like "Women and Development" help facilitate dialogue between the authorities and the people. These actors play a crucial role in fostering more inclusive and responsive governance, essential for democratic stability. Civil society thus becomes a vital pillar in the quest for a new social contract in Mali.

Governance, Security, Civil Society

The article analyzes the political-security crisis in Mali in 2012 and its repercussions on the Sahel-Sahara region. The military coup of March 2012, followed by the proclamation of independence of Azawad and the occupation of northern Mali by Islamist groups, worsened the instability. French military intervention in January 2013 helped push back the jihadists, but did not resolve the root causes of insecurity, including poor governance, poverty and transnational crime.

Governance, Crisis

The article “Enhancing the Political Participation of Women and Youth”, written by Mireille Affa’a Mindzie and published by the International Peace Institute in 2015, examines the challenges and opportunities related to women's and youth participation in governance and development in the Sahel. It highlights institutional, socio-cultural, and economic barriers that hinder their involvement. The author proposes seven key priorities, including capacity building, poverty reduction, improving the implementation of existing policies, and creating bridges between groups. The article emphasizes the role of women's and youth movements, the media, and the private sector in fostering inclusive governance. It also underscores the importance of the "Women, Peace, and Security" agenda and advocates for a multisectoral approach to sustainable development.

Governance, Gender, Youth, Political participation

The article returns to the end of the French military presence in Chad, marked by the handover of the last base in January 2025, after more than fifty years of cooperation. This shift is seen as a movement for Chad's sovereignty, particularly after the death of Idriss Déby in 2021 and the termination of defense agreements in 2024 by his son, Mahamat Idriss Déby. France, which considered Chad as a strategic pillar for the stability of the Sahel, is today faced with the need to reconsider its alliances.

Sovereignty, Governance

The article "From Oblivion to Recognition: 80 Years of Silence on the Thiaroye Massacre in Senegal" by Iris Sanner, published on January 17, 2025, by WATHI, discusses the belated acknowledgment of the Thiaroye massacre by Senegalese and French authorities. On December 1, 1944, Senegalese riflemen, returning from World War II, were killed by the French colonial army as they demanded payment of their wages. For decades, the official French narrative described it as the suppression of an armed mutiny, while survivors and many intellectuals denounced it as a colonial massacre. Only after 80 years did both countries officially recognize these events as a massacre, a change influenced by the rise of sovereigntist and anti-French sentiments in West Africa. This development aligns with France's recent memorial policies under President Emmanuel Macron, including the restitution of looted cultural artifacts and the establishment of historical commissions on sensitive colonial-related topics.

Governance, Memory policies

The article “The State must reach out to young people who have great ambitions…” presents an interview with Djibril Maïga, promoter of the Agrotech Niger start-up. He underlines the importance for the State to support ambitious young entrepreneurs, particularly in the agricultural sector. Djibril Maïga highlighted the potential of agro-technology to transform agriculture in Niger and improve food security. He calls for increased collaboration between public authorities and young innovators to promote the economic and social development of the country. According to him, adequate institutional support is essential to enable youth initiatives to flourish and contribute significantly to national growth.

Governance, Agriculture, Youth, Food security, Institution, Entrepreneurship

The book Refugee in One’s Own Country: A Collective Investigation into Internally Displaced Persons in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) examines the plight of individuals fleeing violence in Burkina Faso and seeking refuge in the capital. Conducted in 2021-2022 by a team of Burkinabè and French researchers, the study highlights the exclusion of these internally displaced persons (IDPs) from official statistics and humanitarian aid. Testimonies reveal harsh living conditions, difficulties integrating into the urban environment, and a lack of institutional recognition. The study also explores the complexity of the conflict in the "three-border zone" (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) and the spread of violence. Combining anthropological and geographical approaches, it sheds light on the displaced population’s adaptation strategies and their struggle for visibility amid an ongoing security and political crisis.

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

This report analyzes Burkina Faso’s security apparatus in the wake of the 2014 uprising and President Compaoré's fall. It highlights structural weaknesses in defense and security forces, the divisive role of the Presidential Security Regiment (RSP), the rise of terrorism, and the emergence of self-defense groups (Kogl-wéogo). The study details issues such as lack of coordination, inadequate equipment and training, and politicization of the military. It also reviews reform efforts, including the dissolution of the RSP, the creation of a national intelligence agency, and civil society's demands for a depoliticized, professional military. The authors advocate for a republican army, aligned with democratic principles and separated from political power.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Terrorism, Gold, Military activity, Human security, Réforme