The article explores the growing place of girls in Arab-Islamic education in Senegal and its impact on gender relations. Historically, this education system was dominated by boys, but since the 1990s, private and public initiatives have allowed for greater female inclusion. Arab-Islamic education is seen as a tool for social moralization and protection against negative influences. However, it also conveys rigid gender norms, with an emphasis on the training of girls as future wives and mothers. Despite these constraints, young girls invest in this educational space to achieve skills, strengthen their autonomy and sometimes even compete with men in religious and educational roles. Education thus becomes a space for negotiation between tradition and modernity, between control and female emancipation.

Politics, Political party, Power, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Religious education, Education, Family, Gold, Social

In the interview titled "Governments should start to realise that, in this part of the world, Africa, education is the most important area in which we can invest to develop any country...", published on November 12, 2024 on WATHI, Madun N. Marong, an Education Officer at the Gambia Ministry of Education, emphasizes the crucial importance of education in Africa. He outlines the teacher training programs in The Gambia, including the Diploma for primary school teachers and the Advanced Diploma for higher levels, both offered by the Gambia College, as well as the degree program provided by the University of The Gambia. Marong insists that African governments should allocate at least 20% of their budget to education, in line with United Nations recommendations, to ensure national development. He also highlights the need to recognize teachers as essential professionals and to provide them with adequate training to improve the quality of education.

Politics, Education, Politique publique

The article The gender quota as a government technique in Burkina Faso: between change of instruments and political inertia, written by Abdoul K. Saidou and published in Afrique Contemporaine (n°275, 2023/1), analyzes the application and the limits of the gender quota policy in Burkina Faso. Despite the adoption in 2009 of a law imposing a quota of 30% of female candidates in municipal and legislative elections, its impact has remained limited. The article highlights the political resistance and circumvention strategies put in place by the parties, in particular the effect of these quotas. The 2020 reform, which introduced new incentive instruments (such as a financial bonus for parties respecting quotas), did not allow for significant representation of women. The author thus underlines the political inertia and the systemic obstacles which slow down the effective application of this policy.

Politics, Political party, State, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Mediation, Election, Gold, Social

The article, titled "NATO and Security Challenges in the Saharo-Sahelian Region in the Era of New Geopolitical Realities," analyzes the growing security challenges in the Saharo-Sahelian region, including the proliferation of terrorist groups, arms and drug trafficking, and political instability. Author Rabah Aynaou examines NATO's potential role in this area, considering new geopolitical dynamics. He suggests that NATO strengthen its cooperation with regional countries and organizations to enhance security and stability. The article also emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach, including economic and social development initiatives, to address the root causes of insecurity.

Governance, Security, Cooperation

The article examines the complex situation in central Mali, where individuals posing as jihadists or traditional hunters (Dozos) exacerbate intercommunal tensions. Jihadists exploit the historical heritage of the Fulani to legitimize their presence, while non-Fulani militias disguise themselves as Dozos to justify actions against the Fulani. This dynamic increases polarization, trapping civilians between these armed groups. Stereotypes and amalgamations contribute to unjustified reprisals, fueling a cycle of violence that further undermines social cohesion and regional stability.

Conflict, Jihad

The article "Climate change and human migration in Senegal: an approach in terms of vulnerability of the socio-ecological system", produced by Alassane Diallo and published in the journal Régulation in 2019, examines the impact of climate change on internal migration in the Senegal. The study reveals that climate change, especially when it manifests itself gradually, is generally not a direct cause of human migrations. It interacts with various socio-economic, cultural, demographic, political-institutional and environmental contextual factors, thus exacerbating the initial vulnerability of populations and influencing migratory processes. The author suggests that public policies should address both development issues, by tackling poverty and inequalities, and issues linked to the climate economy, in particular the physical and climatic vulnerability of populations through mitigation and adaptation measures.

Governance, Climate change, Vulnerability

The article examines the communication challenges faced by Ghanaian health professionals when treating French-speaking refugees, particularly Ivorians who arrived in Ghana following the political crises of 2010-2011. These refugees are mainly housed in Ampain, Egyeikrom and Fetentaa camps. The language barrier between English-speaking medical staff and French-speaking patients compromises the quality of care. The authors recommend training in medical French for Ghanaian health staff, the development of an adapted bilingual curriculum and immersion internships in French-speaking countries, such as Côte d'Ivoire. They also propose the training of specialized medical interpreters to facilitate interactions when direct communication is difficult. These measures aim to improve patient-physician communication and ensure quality care for French-speaking refugees in Ghana.

Culture, Health, refugee

This working paper examines the initiative of the three Sahel Alliance countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) to exit the CFA franc zone and establish a common currency. Although politically motivated, this initiative presents major economic risks, including inflation, currency devaluation, and a shortage of foreign exchange reserves. It highlights the potential short-term gains in competitiveness from devaluation, but acknowledges that structural transformations are unlikely. The article also examines the limited economic impact on regional partners such as ECOWAS and UEMOA, the potential disruption of migrant remittances, financial relations, and the minor economic effect on France.

Politics, Political party, Power, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Development, Gold, Aid

This report, authored by Aurélie Campana and published in March 2018 by the Raoul-Dandurand Chair at the Université du Québec à Montréal, explores the resilience of jihadist groups in the Malian conflict since 2015. Despite international and national military efforts, these groups show remarkable adaptability through organizational fluidity and local embeddedness. The document delves into the dynamics of the Malian conflict, highlighting the interplay of local power struggles, intercommunal tensions, and the state's legitimacy crisis. While fragmented, jihadists leverage violence to sustain influence and recruitment, occasionally attempting to position themselves as governance alternatives. The report also examines the complexity of alliances among jihadist groups and raises the question of their potential inclusion in political processes.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Conflict, Jihad, Terrorism, Political Violence, Gold, Violence, Threat