The article “EndSARS in Nigeria and its Lessons for Security Sector Reform in West Africa” analyzes the #EndSARS protest movement, initiated in 2017 on Twitter, which gained momentum in October 2020. This movement, mainly led by young people, denounces police violence perpetrated by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit created to fight serious crime but accused of serious abuses. The protests led to the announcement of the dissolution of SARS by the Nigerian government. The article highlights that this mobilization offers valuable lessons for security sector reform in West Africa, highlighting the importance of civic engagement and government accountability in protecting human rights.

Governance, Security, Public Administration, Military activity, Security Management, Threat, Illegal activity

The article analyzes the security challenges facing coastal countries in the face of the terrorist threat, drawing lessons from the strategic mistakes of the Sahelian states. They favored a belated military approach, underestimating the transnational and hybrid nature of terrorism. The weakness of security governance, the outbreak of community conflicts and the use of self-defense groups have aggravated the situation. Terrorist groups exploit porous borders better than states. Burkina Faso is a strategic lock whose weakening increases the pressure on coastal countries such as Benin, Togo and Ghana. For these states, it is imperative to strengthen regional cooperation and adopt inclusive strategies to avoid the same pitfalls.

Security, Terrorism

The article "Beyond Criminality: Youth Perceptions of Radicalization and Violent Extremism in Northern Benin" examines how young people perceive radicalization and violent extremism in this region. It highlights the socio-economic and cultural factors that make youth vulnerable to these phenomena, such as unemployment, poverty, social exclusion, and lack of educational opportunities. The study also emphasizes the role of community and family dynamics in either preventing or facilitating radicalization. Young people often view violent extremism not only as a solution to their economic frustrations but also as a means to gain a sense of belonging and recognition. The article calls for a holistic approach, involving local communities, educational institutions, and government authorities, to develop effective prevention strategies. It stresses the need to strengthen civic education initiatives, promote interfaith dialogue, and create economic opportunities for youth to reduce their vulnerability to radicalization.

Security, Jihad, Violence

The article “Strategies for resilience among young people in Burkina Faso: How do they resist the temptations of violence?” explores the mechanisms by which young Burkinabe avoid succumbing to violence, despite contexts of social exclusion and injustice. Based on a survey conducted in 2018 by the Institute for Governance and Development (IGD), in collaboration with the Catholic University of Bukavu and the Research and Information Group on Peace and Security (GRIP), the study highlights the coping strategies developed by these young people. These strategies include engagement in socio-cultural activities, using social networks to express their concerns, and participating in civic training aimed at strengthening their resilience capacities. The objective is to understand how these mechanisms can be supported and strengthened to prevent young people from engaging in violent acts.

Youth, Violence

The article analyzes the impacts of the withdrawal of international forces and aid in the Sahel, exacerbating an already severe security and humanitarian crisis. Extremist insurgents are proliferating, leading to mass displacement and a breakdown in essential services. Agriculture, the region’s economic mainstay, is being destabilized by climate change and restrictions by armed groups, deepening poverty and fueling local conflicts. Young people, without prospects, are becoming vulnerable to recruitment by dangerous armed groups or migrants. The article calls for local approaches to peacebuilding, integrating women and youth into natural resource management and conflict resolution, to strengthen community resilience.

Security, Peace, Conflict, Extremism, Poverty, Women

A preliminary study conducted by the Timbuktu Institute, in partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, examines the role of women in preventing and combating violent extremism in Mali. Carried out in Bamako during November and December 2016, this research highlights that women are both major victims and potential key actors in this context. They suffer from abuses such as forced marriages, rapes, and abductions, while being at the forefront of detecting signs of radicalization within their families and communities. However, their involvement in conflict prevention and resolution processes remains limited. The study identifies socioeconomic factors (poverty, unemployment, illiteracy) and religious influences as drivers of radicalization. It recommends expanding research to other regions of Mali, strengthening the capacities of state and civil society actors, and increasing the involvement of religious leaders and women in promoting peace and combating violent extremism.

Peace, Conflict, Jihad, Extremism, Women, Violence

This study examines the role of religious actors in Senegal's electoral landscape, focusing on the interplay between religion and politics in a culturally diverse context. Religious leaders, influential figures in Senegal, serve multiple roles: mediators during crises, sources of electoral mobilization, and sometimes controversial actors in political and social spheres. The study highlights complex dynamics between tradition and modernity, with young people expressing mixed trust in religious leaders. It also underscores the growing importance of digital media in conveying religious and political messages and explores perceptions across coastal and border areas. With the 2024 presidential election approaching, the study offers insights into the sustainability of religious influence within an evolving sociopolitical environment.

Political Power, Religion, Influence