The article analyzes the geopolitical transformations and multiple crises shaking the Sahel, marked by growing international actors such as Russia, Turkey and Iran. It highlighted the impact of these dynamics on the region's politics, security and economy, and the challenges related to governance. Although certain trends seem to please part of the population, they struggle to translate into concrete stability. The author offers recommendations for strengthened international cooperation and better governance.

Governance, Security, Cooperation, Crisis

The article “The State must reach out to young people who have great ambitions…” presents an interview with Djibril Maïga, promoter of the Agrotech Niger start-up. He underlines the importance for the State to support ambitious young entrepreneurs, particularly in the agricultural sector. Djibril Maïga highlighted the potential of agro-technology to transform agriculture in Niger and improve food security. He calls for increased collaboration between public authorities and young innovators to promote the economic and social development of the country. According to him, adequate institutional support is essential to enable youth initiatives to flourish and contribute significantly to national growth.

Governance, Agriculture, Youth, Food security, Institution, Entrepreneurship

This report analyzes Burkina Faso’s security apparatus in the wake of the 2014 uprising and President Compaoré's fall. It highlights structural weaknesses in defense and security forces, the divisive role of the Presidential Security Regiment (RSP), the rise of terrorism, and the emergence of self-defense groups (Kogl-wéogo). The study details issues such as lack of coordination, inadequate equipment and training, and politicization of the military. It also reviews reform efforts, including the dissolution of the RSP, the creation of a national intelligence agency, and civil society's demands for a depoliticized, professional military. The authors advocate for a republican army, aligned with democratic principles and separated from political power.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Terrorism, Gold, Military activity, Human security, Réforme

The article "Burkina Faso: Arming civilians at the cost of social cohesion?" , published by the International Crisis Group in December 2023, analyzes Burkina Faso's strategy of recruiting and arming civilians, called Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP), to fight against jihadist insurgencies. Although these VDPs provide significant support to the armed forces through their knowledge of the terrain, their massive mobilization raises concerns about worsening community tensions and the accumulated exposure of civilian populations to reprisals from armed groups. The report highlights that, despite some victories achieved with the help of the VDP, this approach has not yet made it possible to restore peace and could lead to new forms of instability. It is therefore essential for the authorities to put in place measures to mitigate the potential negative effects of this strategy on social cohesion.

Governance, Security

The article “After the Sahelian failure, rethinking the software of French policy in Africa” by Alain Antil and Thierry Vircoulon, published on April 10, 2024 by the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri), analyzes the failure of French strategy in the Sahel and its broader repercussions on Paris' African policy. After the breakdown of relations with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, France saw its influence collapse in the face of the rise of anti-French sentiment and the emergence of new partners such as Russia and China. The article identifies several contradictions in French policy: paternalism, the disconnection between analysis and political action, and the contradiction between migration policy and African diplomacy. It proposes a strategic repositioning, based on a realistic assessment of French interests in Africa, abandoning outdated approaches and integrating the new geopolitical realities of the continent.

Politics, Political party, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Jihad, Gold, Human security, Threat

The article "False Choices: U.S. Policy toward Coastal West Africa and the Sahel", written by Judd Devermont and published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on June 24, 2021, examines U.S. policy in coastal West Africa and the Sahel. It emphasizes that the United States has enduring interests in both subregions, with a renewed commitment to countering violent extremism, checking authoritarianism, and challenging malign Chinese and Russian activities and influence. Since the 2000s, especially after the 2012 coup in Mali, the U.S. has increased its security, development, and humanitarian engagement in the Sahel. However, worrying security trends in coastal West Africa are prompting a strategic recalibration. The article suggests that the U.S. should adopt an integrated approach, recognizing the interdependence between the Sahel and coastal West Africa, by implementing policies that simultaneously address democratic backsliding, drivers of violent extremism, and malign Chinese and Russian influences.

Governance, Security, Extremism, Violence

The article “The Sahel: a new theater for global jihadist groups? by Atta Barkindo, published in March 2020 in Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyzes, examines the evolution of the Sahel as a fertile ground for global jihadist groups. Despite military offensives against Boko Haram, the region remains a focal point for groups linked to Al-Qaeda (AQ) and the Islamic State (IS). The author explores the history of links between Boko Haram and these organizations, highlighting the growing influence of ISIS in the region. It highlights the structural causes of this expansion, notably political instability, poverty, porous borders and intercommunity rivalries. The financing of terrorism through drug trafficking, cigarette smuggling and kidnapping for ransom strengthens their operational capacity. The article concludes on the need for a coordinated response between Sahelian governments and international partners to stem this growing threat.

State, Security, Conflict, Jihad, Terrorism, Political Violence, Education, Human security, Threat, Knowlege production

The article entitled "Nigeria: The climate crisis fuels conflicts and terrorism", written by Raphaël D. and published on the Mr Mondialisation website in January 2021, analyzes the impact of climate change on security in Nigeria. The country is experiencing increasing desertification, particularly in the north, involving arable land and pastures. This situation pushes nomadic herders to migrate south, leading to conflicts with local sedentary farmers. These tensions have reached a critical level of violence, causing as many casualties as the terrorist group Boko Haram. Climate disruption thus favors the development of terrorist groups, who take advantage of the instability to carry out deadly raids and pillaging, financing part of their operations through the sale of stolen livestock. Government measures, such as the National Livestock Transformation Plan, are taken into account for their inadequacy to the needs of breeders, exacerbating existing tensions.

Agriculture, Livestock, Climate change, Security, Conflict, Terrorism

The article, titled "NATO and Security Challenges in the Saharo-Sahelian Region in the Era of New Geopolitical Realities," analyzes the growing security challenges in the Saharo-Sahelian region, including the proliferation of terrorist groups, arms and drug trafficking, and political instability. Author Rabah Aynaou examines NATO's potential role in this area, considering new geopolitical dynamics. He suggests that NATO strengthen its cooperation with regional countries and organizations to enhance security and stability. The article also emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach, including economic and social development initiatives, to address the root causes of insecurity.

Governance, Security, Cooperation