The article highlights the ineffectiveness of purely security-based responses to the crisis in the Sahel. Despite ECOWAS’s adoption of a $1 billion plan to strengthen the armed forces, the security and humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, particularly in the Liptako-Gourma and Lake Chad Basin regions. The root causes of insecurity are attributed to the marginalization of communities, poor governance, and the effects of climate change. The article advocates for a political approach that includes dialogue with local communities, improved governance, access to fair justice, and consideration of climate issues, in order to achieve lasting peace.

Security, Peace, Conflict, Cooperation

The article highlights the urgency of stabilizing the Sahel to preserve Africa's future. It highlights the growing vulnerability of the region, marked by insecurity, state collapse, and youth disenchantment. Recent attacks in Mali and Burkina Faso illustrate this deterioration. The author calls for the mobilization of African intellectuals to advise and support states in difficulty, beyond foreign military interventions alone. He emphasizes the need for active solidarity, particularly with Mali and Burkina Faso, and urges African civil societies to initiate strong actions to refocus the continent on its priorities. The objective is to counter the expansion of violence and insecurity, in order to allow the African utopia to come true.

Governance, Insécurité, Coopération régionale

Amnesty International’s 2021 article, “I have nothing left, except myself,” examines the growing impact of conflict on children in the Tillabéri region of Niger. Violence by armed groups, including the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), has led to the closure of many schools, depriving children of their right to education. Children are also exposed to psychological trauma due to violent attacks, forced displacement, and food insecurity. The report highlights the urgent need for the Nigerien authorities and the international community to protect children’s rights, ensure their access to education, and provide adequate psychosocial support.

Security, Conflict, Poverty

The unpublished report from the Tombouctou Institute, coordinated by researcher Lassina Diarra, examines radicalization and the perception of the terrorist threat in the Bounkani region, located in the far north of Côte d'Ivoire. This study highlights the weak signals and multiple factors of growing radicalization, which is particularly worrying in the context of the advance of terrorist groups towards coastal countries. The data collected indicate that this region is already experiencing the effects of the regionalization of the threat, illustrated by the attacks in Grand-Bassam in 2016. The proximity to countries such as Burkina Faso and Mali, as well as migration from Niger, accentuate Côte d'Ivoire's vulnerabilities. Faced with this situation, the Ivorian government has undertaken to redefine its security policy and territorial administration to counter this growing threat.

Jihad, Terrorism, Vulnerability, Violence, Threat

The article emphasizes that West Africa, particularly the Sahel, faces a growing terrorist threat, exacerbated by jihadist groups like Boko Haram. These organizations primarily target youth, who are vulnerable due to unemployment, limited access to education, and lack of prospects. To counter this threat, military initiatives such as the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and the G5 Sahel have been established to coordinate regional counter-terrorism efforts. However, the article advocates for a preventive approach focused on investing in youth. It suggests that educational programs and economic opportunities for young people could reduce their susceptibility to recruitment by extremist groups, thereby contributing to lasting stability in the region.

Security, Jihad, Terrorism, Youth, Violence

The WATHI article examines the United States' strategy to strengthen relations with African youth, seen as a rising force of the 21st century. Scholarship programs, such as the Mandela Washington Fellowship initiated by President Barack Obama, exemplify this "soft power" approach. These initiatives provide young Africans with opportunities in education, leadership, and entrepreneurship, while promoting a positive image of the U.S. The article also highlights the importance of education and technology transfer for the continent's development, particularly in addressing challenges in the Sahel. The U.S., as a strategic partner, is encouraged to support Africa without adopting a condescending stance, recognizing the continent's potential and contributing to its digital and economic growth.

Education, Youth, Development, Diplomacy

WaterAid West Africa's report (July 2021) highlights that climate change exacerbates water insecurity in Burkina Faso and Niger, where access to safe water and sanitation remains limited. Climate variations lead to unpredictable water availability, affecting agriculture, livestock, and public health. Surface water resources are weakened by recurrent droughts and desertification, intensifying water stress. WaterAid urges governments to incorporate water, sanitation, and hygiene into climate policies as key adaptation strategies, enhance climate resilience, and develop national funding proposals to address these challenges.

Governance, Climate change, Security, Hygiène, Désertification

The article “Malnutrition at the heart of the One Health approach” highlights the importance of nutrition within the framework of the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal and environmental health. It notes that the number of undernourished people is increasing, with 70 million people suffering from hunger in West Africa. Malnutrition particularly affects pregnant women and children, leading to reduced immunity and increased child mortality. Climate change is exacerbating these challenges by disrupting food systems. The article calls for concerted action to strengthen food and nutrition security, taking into account the interactions between human, animal and environmental health, in order to effectively address current health challenges.

Climate change, Food security, Health

The WATHI article highlights the risks associated with the proliferation of weapons destined for Ukraine, which could be diverted to unstable regions such as the Sahel. Institutions such as Europol and UNODC warn that the massive influx of weapons into Ukraine provides opportunities for criminal networks and traffickers, exploiting gaps in control systems. This situation recalls historical precedents where weapons, initially supplied for specific conflicts, have fuelled violence in other regions. The Sahel, already weakened by the presence of armed groups such as JNIM, EIGS and Boko Haram, is particularly vulnerable to these illicit flows. Countries in this region, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, could see their stability further compromised. Faced with this threat, the article calls for strengthened regional cooperation, rigorous traceability of weapons and increased awareness of the international community to prevent further instability in the Sahel.

Security, Cooperation, Violence, Illegal activity, Groupes armés non étatiques, Trafic