The report "Responding to Insecurity in Liptako-Gourma" by Ibrahim Maïga, published by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in March 2021, examines the strategies implemented to address the growing insecurity in the Liptako-Gourma region (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger). The report highlights the shortcomings of military and security approaches, often based on a limited understanding of instability factors such as violent extremism, local conflicts, and illicit activities. Despite various stabilization efforts, results remain inconsistent, emphasizing the need for a more holistic approach integrating security, development, and governance. The study recommends enhancing civilian protection, improving coordination, and engaging in dialogue with extremist groups. Judicial inaction and human rights violations further exacerbate tensions, making a reassessment of current strategies urgent.

State, Natural ressources, Security, Jihad, Mediation, Gold, Human security, Threat, Dialogue, Insécurité

The article "Security Crisis, Forced Mobility, and Survival and Resilience Strategies of Internally Displaced Women in Kaya Municipality, Burkina Faso" by Ousmane Diallo (Joseph KI ZERBO University of Ouagadougou) analyzes the impact of the humanitarian crisis in Burkina Faso on internally displaced women. Since 2019, growing insecurity has forced more than 1.85 million people to flee their homes. The study examines how internally displaced women in Kaya are adapting to this precarious situation by exploiting local economic opportunities. Using a qualitative and quantitative approach, it highlights the resilience strategies deployed: commercial activities, gold panning, material gathering, agricultural work, and vocational training. These women, often heads of households, face multiple challenges but develop initiatives to ensure the survival of their families despite insufficient humanitarian aid.

Gender, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Human security, Social, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

In 2024, Côte d'Ivoire is going through a tumultuous political period, marked by electoral conflicts and growing uncertainty ahead of the presidential election scheduled for October 2025. The candidacy of the current president, Alassane Ouattara, as well as the intentions of opposition figures remain unclear. On December 31, 2024, Guillaume Soro, former president of the National Assembly in exile in Mali for six years following a conviction for attempted coup d'état, announced his candidacy for the presidency. On the same day, Alassane Ouattara declared the retrocession of the French military base of the 43rd Marine Infantry Battalion in Port-Bouët to the Ivorian armed forces, marking a significant step in the redefinition of Franco-Ivorian relations. These developments are increasing political uncertainty and diplomatic tensions in Côte d'Ivoire ahead of the elections.

Politics, Governance, Election, Diplomacy

In 2024, Côte d’Ivoire experienced a turbulent political scene ahead of the presidential election scheduled for October 2025. Former National Assembly Speaker Guillaume Soro, exiled in Mali after a 20-year prison sentence for attempted coup d’état, announced his candidacy in an online address on December 31, 2024. On the same day, President Alassane Ouattara declared the retrocession of the French military base of the 43rd Marine Infantry Battalion in Port-Bouët to the Ivorian armed forces in January 2025, marking a turning point in defense relations with France. In addition, the leader of the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), Tidjane Thiam, expressed his ambition to transform the country into a prosperous and united nation. For his part, Laurent Gbagbo has affirmed his determination to be re-registered on the electoral lists to participate in the 2025 election, despite the loss of his civil rights due to a previous conviction. On the diplomatic front, tensions have arisen with Niger, accusing the Ivorian army of training Nigerien dissidents, allegations denied by Abidjan.

Political party, Political Power, Governance, Security, Election

On January 8, 2025, Benin was hit by an unprecedented terrorist attack, killing 30 soldiers. The assault, claimed by the al-Qaeda-affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), took place at the Banikoara “triple point” on the border between Benin, Niger, and Burkina Faso. This position, although heavily militarized, housed soldiers from Operation Mirador, a counterterrorism initiative launched in February 2022 with approximately 3,000 men. Colonel Faizou Gomina, chief of staff of the National Guard, expressed his dismay at this heavy loss. In response, General Fructueux Gbaguidi convened an extraordinary military council. The opposition, notably the Les Démocrates party, called the event a “national tragedy” and stressed the importance of regional military cooperation to counter these cross-border threats.

Governance, Security, Jihad, Violence, Coopération régionale

The article titled “Nigeria: Between the Resurgence of the North-East Front and Security Fragilities”, published by the Timbuktu Institute on February 26, 2025, analyzes the resurgence of terrorist attacks in Nigeria in early 2025. On January 4, the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP) attacked a military base in Sabron Gari, Borno State, killing eight soldiers and seizing weapons and ammunition. The intervention of the army, supported by fighter jets, neutralized 34 terrorists and recovered weapons. President Bola Tinubu welcomed the response and urged the army to adopt a proactive stance against terrorist groups. On January 24, a ground offensive by the army in a border area between Borno and Yobe States was targeted by a suicide bomber, resulting in the death of 27 soldiers. These events highlight the persistent security challenges facing Nigeria despite military efforts.

Governance, Security, Terrorism, Violence

The article titled “Nigeria: Between the Resurgence of the North-East Front and Security Fragilities”, published by the Timbuktu Institute on February 26, 2025, analyzes the resurgence of terrorist attacks in Nigeria in early 2025. On January 4, the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP) attacked a military base in Sabron Gari, Borno State, killing eight soldiers and seizing weapons and ammunition. The intervention of the army, supported by fighter jets, neutralized 34 terrorists and recovered weapons. President Bola Tinubu welcomed the response and urged the army to adopt a proactive stance against terrorist groups. On January 24, a ground offensive by the army in a border area between Borno and Yobe States was targeted by a suicide bomber, resulting in the death of 27 soldiers. These events highlight the persistent security challenges facing Nigeria despite military efforts.

Governance, Security, Terrorism, Violence

In January 2025, Niger, alongside Mali and Burkina Faso, officially left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to join the Alliance of Sahel States (ESA). The move was widely welcomed by the Nigerien population, with thousands demonstrating in Niamey to express their support for the ruling junta. At the same time, the country faces ongoing security challenges, highlighted by the kidnapping of a 73-year-old Austrian aid worker in Agadez on 11 January. Although the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) was initially suspected, it has not denied any involvement in the act. In addition, there are growing concerns over citizens’ rights and freedoms, particularly following the arrest on 18 January of the editor-in-chief of the private channel Canal 3. These events highlight the complex challenges Niger faces in its quest for stability and security.

Governance, Security, Liberté

In January 2025, Niger, alongside Mali and Burkina Faso, officially withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to join the Alliance of Sahel States (ESA). The move was widely welcomed by the Nigerien population, who demonstrated in their thousands in Niamey in support of the ruling junta. At the same time, the country faces ongoing security challenges, highlighted by the kidnapping of a 73-year-old Austrian aid worker in Agadez on 11 January. Although the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM) was initially suspected, it denied any involvement in the act. In addition, concerns have grown over citizens’ rights and freedoms, particularly following the arrest on 18 January of the editor-in-chief of the private channel Canal 3. These events highlight the complex challenges Niger faces in its quest for stability and security.

Governance, Security, Liberté