The policy brief “Sahel: Why stabilization efforts should address internal displacement” (April 2023), authored by Ekaterina (Katia) Golovko at the Clingendael Institute, highlights the critical role of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in stabilization strategies across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Governments are promoting the return of IDPs to “stabilize” regions, yet without preparedness in host communities, this may trigger strain on public services, increase local tensions, and fuel community conflict. The brief recommends integrating displacement concerns into stabilization planning, strengthening local institutional capacity, supporting IDP economic inclusion, and improving coordination between humanitarian and state actors. It also stresses the need for sustainable funding of social services, monitoring the impact of returns on communal dynamics, and fostering an inclusive political framework to achieve lasting stabilization.

Migration, Crisis management, Violence, refugee

In this article, anthropologist Jean-Pierre Olivier de Sardan argues for a radical reform of national armies in the Sahel, in light of the failure of conventional military responses to jihadist insurgencies in Mali, Burkina Faso, and to a lesser extent, Niger. He criticizes the corruption, inefficiency, and disconnect of national armies, as well as the ineffectiveness of foreign interventions. The author calls for rebuilding armed forces that are protective, community-based, and respectful of human rights, able to establish “liberated zones.” He emphasizes the need to integrate military actions with development initiatives, state reconstruction, and local negotiations. Although imperfect, Niger stands as a potential example of progress. The core proposition lies in building public security with rural populations through a “people’s war” logic against jihadism.

State, Security, Terrorism, Military activity

This study presents an analytical mapping of research and knowledge production from 2012 to 2022 across six Sahelian countries. Based on 756 analyzed documents, it highlights dominant themes (security, governance, conflict mediation) and significant gaps (health, climate, youth, urban studies). It notes the overrepresentation of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, and the underrepresentation of Chad, Mauritania, and Senegal. Interviews with Alliance Sahel members reveal a lack of coherent documentation strategy. The report recommends strengthening the PASAS platform through targeted monitoring, hyperlinking sources instead of requesting publication rights, and expanding thematic categories to enhance visibility and strategic value. It calls for closer collaboration between PASAS, FCDO, and USAID repositories.

Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

The report “Self‑defence groups, politics and the Sahelian State”, published by the Clingendael Institute in December 2022 and written by Kars de Bruijne, examines the proliferation of self-defence militias in the Sahel, focusing on the Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland (VDP) in Burkina Faso and Amotekun in Nigeria. Initially formed to fill security gaps, these groups have been institutionalized by the state, leading to serious risks: ethnic bias, impunity, criminal behaviour (extortion, abductions), and arms proliferation. While they may provide local protection, their formal inclusion weakens state legitimacy and can perpetuate cycles of violence. The report recommends inclusive recruitment, clear legal frameworks, judicial oversight, civilian control, and structured demobilization.

Politics, State, Military activity