Le rapport analyse les opérations et la structure du Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), affilié à Al-Qaïda, dans le Sahel. Il met en évidence le rôle central des économies illicites dans les stratégies de gouvernance du JNIM, son financement et sa lutte armée. Le document retrace l'évolution organisationnelle du groupe et les changements internes influençant son implication dans les économies illicites régionales. Ces adaptations ont permis au JNIM de s'étendre géographiquement, de maintenir son influence et de résister aux perturbations. Le rapport souligne également l'utilisation stratégique de la guerre économique par le JNIM, y compris la destruction d'infrastructures, l'établissement de points de contrôle et l'imposition de blocus. Comprendre l'engagement du JNIM dans les économies illicites est essentiel pour appréhender ses méthodes de gouvernance, de financement et ses objectifs stratégiques dans le Sahel central et les États côtiers.

Governance, Security, Illegal activity

The article examines financial control mechanisms in the security sector in the Sahel, in a context marked by increasing political and security instability. It highlights the need to improve governance and transparency of spending allocated to security forces to strengthen citizens’ trust. Reforms involve close cooperation between parliaments, oversight institutions, civil society and the media. Particular attention is paid to structural challenges such as the ineffectiveness of legal frameworks and the limited application of existing mechanisms. Lessons drawn from evaluations in Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Niger call for rigorous and inclusive financial practices.

Governance, Security, Security Management, Réforme

Crisis Group’s article “Central Sahel: At the Eye of the Storm” analyses the multidimensional crisis in the Central Sahel, spanning Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. The region is facing a combination of armed conflict, political instability, humanitarian crises and environmental challenges. Violence by jihadist groups and inter-communal tensions have led to massive population displacement, exacerbating an already precarious humanitarian situation. Local governments, often fragile, are struggling to restore security and provide basic services, while international interventions have yet to provide sustainable solutions. The article highlights the urgent need for an integrated approach, combining security efforts, economic development and political dialogue, to sustainably stabilise the region.

Conflict, Jihad, Violence, Crisis, Insécurité

The Media Foundation for West Africa report, published in December 2022, examines the evolution of press freedom in Mauritania in 2021. Following the election of President Mohamed Cheikh El Ghazouani in 2019, a democratic opening was initiated, including a national dialogue. However, private media, which appeared in 1990, continue to face major challenges. Although the decriminalization of press offenses in 2006 was a step forward, ambiguous laws still allow for censorship and harsh sanctions. The High Authority for the Press and Audiovisual (HAPA), created to regulate the sector, is often perceived as lacking independence. The absence of a specific law on access to information complicates the work of journalists, while public media remain biased in favor of the government. In 2021, the rise of social media provided new platforms for expression, but also led to attempts at state control.

Information, Réseaux sociaux, Liberté de presse

The article “Knowledge is Power: Youth-led research to address power dynamics in knowledge and advocacy processes to end child marriage and promote girls’ education in West Africa” published in July 2024 by Girls Not Brides, highlighting the alarming prevalence of child marriage in West and Central Africa, where 39% of girls are married before the age of 18. Countries such as Niger (76%), Central African Republic (68%) and Chad (67%) are among the highest rates in the world. The project aims to strengthen the participation of young people, especially young women, in research and advocacy processes

Education, Women

The multiple crises in the Sahel – armed conflict, political instability and climate change – particularly characterize women and girls. They are exposed to sexual violence, forced marriage and exploitation. Insecurity has displaced millions of people, including 78% of women and children in 2021, disrupting their access to education and essential services, and reinforcing traditional roles that limit their opportunities. In Mali, crises are exacerbating conservative social realities. Sexual violence, forced marriage, and female genital mutilation are commonplace, causing deep trauma. Access to health care, including maternal and reproductive health services, is limited. In 2022, 1,726 schools were closed, depriving 517,800 children of school, with girls particularly affected. Rural women, who are responsible for food security, are directly impacted by the impacts of climate change on their daily lives.Recommendations include gender-sensitive responses, improving women’s access to education and economic resources to strengthen their resilience. Supporting their active participation in crisis resolution and community well-being efforts is essential. Despite challenges, women demonstrate remarkable resilience, which is essential for a safer and more prosperous future.Recommendations include gender-sensitive responses, improving women’s access to education and economic resources to strengthen their resilience. Supporting their active participation in crisis resolution and community well-being efforts is essential. Despite challenges, women demonstrate remarkable resilience, which is essential for a safer and more prosperous future.

Education, Women, Vulnerability, Discrimination, Crisis

The Danish Refugee Council’s article “Education under attack in West and Central Africa highlights the devastating impact of conflict on education in the region. By the end of the 2021-2022 school year, more than 12,400 schools were closed in eight countries, mainly due to attacks by non-state armed groups, teachers fleeing or parents being afraid to send their children to school. This is jeopardizing the future of entire generations of children, depriving them of access to learning and exposing them to compounding risks such as early marriage, child labour and recruitment by armed groups. Despite the adoption of the Safe Schools Declaration by most countries in the region, persistent attacks underscore the need for concrete measures to protect education. The report recommends holistic and multi-sectoral approaches, strengthening alternative learning solutions and increasing funding for education in emergencies.

Governance, Security, Education

The study commissioned by the Gorée Institute aims to analyze the civic space related to children's rights in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali and Senegal. Its main objective is to produce a barometer assessing the current situation, in order to determine the need for effective, evidence-based advocacy to influence policies, legal frameworks and practices in the protection of children's rights in these countries. The process involved several steps, including the establishment of indicators validated by the parties involved, the development of quantitative and qualitative statistical data collection tools, followed by an analysis focused on children's rights.

Human Rights, Enfant

The Girls Not Brides report “Knowledge is Power” presents research led by young people in Burkina Faso and Niger, exploring power dynamics in knowledge and advocacy processes to end child marriage and promote girls’ education in West Africa. The young researchers highlighted the impact of patriarchal social norms, poverty and the quality of the educational environment on early marriage and girls’ school dropout. The report recommends promoting successful female role models, using information technology to change dominant narratives, and improving access to quality, inclusive and culturally relevant education.

Gender, Education, Women