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 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 World Bank article (2021) examines the impact of climate change on internal migrations in West Africa, a region historically characterized by significant mobility due to trade, pastoralism, and the pursuit of diversified livelihoods. Internal migrations, primarily from rural to urban areas, are influenced by economic, social, political, and environmental factors, with climate playing an increasingly pivotal role. Projections suggest that the region could witness up to 32 million internal climate migrants by 2050 in the worst-case scenario, representing about 4% of the total population. Key hotspots for climate emigration may include areas like the Dakar-Diourbel-Touba corridor in Senegal, while regions in the Sahel could become immigration hotspots due to increased water availability and pastures. Coordinated climate and development actions could significantly reduce these forced migrations.

Migration, Climate change, Environment, Development

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 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

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 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

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