On December 31, 2024, Burkina Faso saw the formation of a new government under Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo to combat insecurity and terrorism, after deadly attacks in the north of the country. The government announced the creation of rapid intervention battalions to reconquer areas controlled by terrorists. The country faces a rise in kidnappings and internal political tensions, exacerbated by the dissolution of Traoré's previous government, which maintained the fight against terrorism as a main priority.

Governance, Security, Terrorism

The article analyzes security tensions in Mauritania, exacerbated by frontal incidents, notably the kidnapping of Mauritanians in Mali. Despite these challenges, cooperation with neighbors, such as Morocco, and international support via NATO, aim to strengthen regional security. The article highlights initiatives to improve armed forces training and bilateral cooperation.

Governance, Security, Cooperation

Issue 3 of the journal Global Africa, entitled “Pan-Africanism, African Research and Global Issues”, explores the origins and evolution of Pan-Africanism as a political and epistemic movement. The authors, Cheikh Thiam and Mjiba Frehiwot, analyze Pan-Africanism, since the 17th century, in the service of the response to coloniality and dehumanization imposed by Euro-modernity.

Cultural identity, Politics, Governance, Knowlege production, Pan-Africanism

In December 2023, Chad adopted an amnesty law covering all offenses committed during the events of October 20, 2022, where at least 128 people lost their lives. ACAT-France criticizes this legislation, believing that it promotes impunity and goes against the government's commitments to human rights and the rule of law. Chad's National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) also expressed concerns, highlighting the lack of provisions for reparation for victims and considering this an obstruction of justice. The CNDH calls on the government to put in place reparation mechanisms and transitional justice to ease tensions. The events of October 20, 2022 were marked by violent repression by security forces against demonstrators demanding a real political change, leading to serious violations of fundamental rights.

Governance, Human Rights, Impunity

The article "From Oblivion to Recognition: 80 Years of Silence on the Thiaroye Massacre in Senegal" by Iris Sanner, published on January 17, 2025, by WATHI, discusses the belated acknowledgment of the Thiaroye massacre by Senegalese and French authorities. On December 1, 1944, Senegalese riflemen, returning from World War II, were killed by the French colonial army as they demanded payment of their wages. For decades, the official French narrative described it as the suppression of an armed mutiny, while survivors and many intellectuals denounced it as a colonial massacre. Only after 80 years did both countries officially recognize these events as a massacre, a change influenced by the rise of sovereigntist and anti-French sentiments in West Africa. This development aligns with France's recent memorial policies under President Emmanuel Macron, including the restitution of looted cultural artifacts and the establishment of historical commissions on sensitive colonial-related topics.

Governance, Memory policies

This report explores the impact of growing Internet use in the Sahel region, notably Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. The rise of social media users has exacerbated existing tensions and conflicts, with phenomena such as disinformation, radicalization and polarization. Despite this, digital access also offers opportunities to strengthen transparency and cohesion, and to prevent conflicts. Recommendations for a more inclusive and safe use of these digital spaces are proposed.

Governance, Social cohesion, Numérique, Radicalisation, Disinformation

The article discusses the increasing role of Malian civil society in the post-coup democratic transition. Despite challenges in governance and security, organizations like "Women and Development" help facilitate dialogue between the authorities and the people. These actors play a crucial role in fostering more inclusive and responsive governance, essential for democratic stability. Civil society thus becomes a vital pillar in the quest for a new social contract in Mali.

Governance, Security, Civil Society

The article analyzes the growing threat from terrorist groups in northern Ghana, a region hitherto spared from major attacks despite its proximity to Burkina Faso. Ghana's Minister of Defense warns of the risks of terrorist establishment, particularly in Bawku, where attempted attacks have taken place. The article explores the strategies of armed terrorist groups to gain a foothold and highlight the country's vulnerabilities.

Governance, Security, Terrorism, Groupes armés