This article by ENDA Santé highlights the worsening polycrisis scenario in the Sahel, combining armed conflict, chronic poverty, food insecurity, demographic pressure, and climate change. These intersecting challenges overwhelm health systems and constrain state capacity to ensure essential services, especially amid an anticipated dip in international funding . The piece advocates for a paradigm shift in development strategies: favoring holistic, integrated interventions, tapping local resources, strengthening community resilience, and embracing adaptive governance. ENDA Santé emphasizes the need to connect health, food security, climate action, and peacebuilding into a unified framework to effectively tackle the region’s complex challenges.

Governance, Security, Development, Health, Crisis, Inclusion

Warrantage is currently expanding in several Sahel countries. It is a credit-storage mechanism implemented by a farmers' organization in collaboration with a financial institution. The process involves storing a portion of the harvested cereals in a warehouse for a few months in exchange for an individual loan. Without this credit system, farmers tend to sell their cereals immediately after harvest to repay debts or meet their basic needs. Consequences: Families subsequently struggle to bridge the "hunger gap"—the transitional period between the depletion of stocks and the next harvest—and face challenges in investing in their agricultural production systems. An impact assessment conducted in western Burkina Faso shows that warrantage increases food availability during the hunger gap and strengthens agricultural investment and production. To accelerate its development, three conditions must be met: Access to suitable storage infrastructure, Assurance of the quality of stored products, and Establishment of strong trust-based relationships between financial institutions, producer organizations, and traders. This last condition is being undermined by the expansion of armed conflicts in the Sahel.

Governance, Agriculture, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Development, Gold, Human security, Rural Areas, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

The IMF article titled "The Sahel's Intertwined Challenges" examines the multidimensional crises facing Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Since 2012, these nations have grappled with escalating insecurity due to the establishment of non-state armed groups, including terrorist organizations. This instability has led to military coups between 2020 and 2023, exacerbating political tensions and hindering economic and social development. School closures and mass displacements have particularly affected the youth, limiting their access to education and increasing their vulnerability to crime and terrorism. The article also highlights the enduring impact of French colonization on current institutional structures, contributing to the fragility of Sahelian states. Economic crises in the 1980s and 1990s further weakened these institutions, making countries dependent on international aid and impeding democratic consolidation

Governance, Development, Institution, Insécurité, Groupes armés non étatiques

The IRIS study, led by Caroline Roussy, examines the complexity of transboundary threats in the Sahel and West Africa, particularly the spread of terrorism in border areas between Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. It highlights that 80% of recorded violence in this region occurs within 100 kilometers of land borders. Borders, often seen as dividing lines, are actually zones of contact and interaction, facilitating the movement of armed groups and the spread of extremist ideologies. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding local dynamics and cross-border interactions to develop effective counter-terrorism strategies. It recommends an integrated approach that considers the socio-economic and cultural realities of border populations, and enhanced cooperation between the concerned states to secure these vulnerable areas.

Governance, Boundary, Security, Cooperation

This report examines perceptions of security in Mali's Mopti, Timbuktu, Gao, and Bandiagara regions as part of the Just Future program. National and local perceptions vary greatly, influenced by factors such as the presence of security actors, the withdrawal of MINUSMA, and socio-economic conditions. Security improvements are noted in regions like Timbuktu, attributed to military patrols and enhanced mobility. However, insecurity persists in other areas, driven by armed groups, forced displacements, and attacks. Perceptions of security forces are mixed: while their presence instills some confidence, their behavior is criticized. Economic concerns, characterized by increasing poverty and limited opportunities, remain a critical issue. Recommendations highlight the need for greater collaboration between security forces and civil society.

Governance, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Education, Gold, Human security, Opinion, Threat, Researh, Knowlege production

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