The WATHI article highlights the major challenges of mental health care in West Africa. Neuropsychiatric disorders account for 18% of the overall disease burden in the region, but states allocate less than 1% of their health budgets to them. This situation is compounded by a lack of qualified personnel and adequate infrastructure. Cultural beliefs and stigma associated with mental illness also hinder access to care. To improve the situation, the article recommends better training of health professionals, increased public awareness and integration of mental health services into primary health care.

Politique publique, Santé mentale

The article “Niger: Advocacy for Rural Youth” highlights that, although political discourses in Niger often focus on school-going urban youth, the majority of young people live in rural areas. These young people, often illiterate or out of school, face challenges such as early marriage, child labor, and limited access to education. Obstacles include poverty, food insecurity, distance from schools, and socio-cultural norms. In addition, the lack of economic prospects makes these young people vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups. The article calls for increased recognition of rural youth and appropriate public policies to improve their living conditions and provide them with opportunities for the future.

Culture, Education, Extremism, Food security, Poverty, Rural Areas, Mariage précoce

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

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 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 “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

The report "The sovereignist turning point in Mali" analyzes the trajectory adopted by the Malian authorities since they came to power in 2021 after two coups d'état. The transitional government has established a sovereignist policy, rejecting old Western influences and adopting a pan-Africanist discourse. This choice, popular with young people seeking change, has led to economic, security and diplomatic ruptures, particularly with France. However, this shift carries risks: loss of international aid and authoritarian drift. The report recommends a balanced sovereign, reinvesting in social sectors and renewing peaceful relations with partners. The success of this trajectory depends on inclusive governance and the restoration of security.

Sovereignty, Governance

The paper examines the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on the Western Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, highlighting an average GDP contraction of 2.6% in 2020 for the seven countries studied, due to the decline in foreign trade and investment. The agriculture, telecommunications and electricity sectors have been more resilient, thanks in part to subsidies. The pandemic has exacerbated poverty, inequality and difficulties in accessing health care, particularly due to income loss and school closures, affecting children’s educational outcomes. Response measures, such as border closures and curfews, have directly impacted livelihoods, fuelling social tensions. The paper recommends strengthening national development plans, investing in local agricultural production and improving social protection mechanisms to promote an inclusive and resilient future in the region.

Economic Development, Poverty, Crisis