This book delves into the insecurities and violence in the Lake Chad Basin, exploring historical, social, and political dimensions. Focusing on five key countries (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Niger, Nigeria, Chad), it examines the effects of conflicts such as those driven by Boko Haram and intercommunal tensions on local societies. Through interdisciplinary studies, it highlights the diversity of insecurities, ranging from daily violence to armed conflicts, while analyzing their economic, political, and environmental causes. The book also discusses strategies to combat these insecurities, whether military, political, or development-based. It provides an in-depth understanding of local dynamics and the lived experiences of affected populations, linking these phenomena to broader global issues.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Political Violence, Gold, Human security, Violence, Threat

The article “Self-defense groups, pyromaniac firefighters of the Sahel” by Mathieu Pellerin, published by the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri) on December 14, 2022, analyzes the rise in power of self-defense groups in the Sahel since 2012. Faced with the expansion of jihadist groups and the withdrawal of states from certain rural areas, local communities have formed self-defense entities to ensure their own security. Although these groups can complement state security efforts, their lack of legal framework and coordination can worsen insecurity. Their armed intervention can intensify communal violence and further weaken state authority, leading to alternative forms of armed governance. This situation calls into question the traditional state model and the modes of local governance, where state, customary and jihadist systems intersect.

State, Governance, Jihad, Violence

In his August 2020 report titled "Disorder from Chaos: Why Europeans Fail to Promote Stability in the Sahel," Andrew Lebovich examines the reasons behind the European initiatives' struggles to establish stability in the Sahel. He highlights that, despite the creation of the Sahel Alliance in 2017 by France, Germany, and Sahelian countries, the expected outcomes have not been achieved. Lebovich identifies several contributing factors, including poorly coordinated approaches, insufficient understanding of local dynamics, and differing priorities between European and Sahelian actors. He recommends a reassessment of current strategies, emphasizing the importance of closer collaboration with local communities and adapting policies to on-the-ground realities to enhance the effectiveness of European interventions in the region.

Politics, Governance, Cooperation

The article titled "Persistent Conflicts, Loss of Agricultural Land, and Recurrent Food Insecurity in the Liptako-Gourma Region", authored by Eric Branckaert, Ollo Sib, Atsuvi Gamli, Souleika Abdillahi, Laure Boudinaud, Marie Ndiaye, Mariam Katile, Abdoulaye Ndiaye, Nanthilde Kamara, Federico Doehnert, Outman Badaoui, and Salvador Somda, examines the impact of armed conflicts on food security in the Liptako-Gourma region, encompassing Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Since 2014, escalating violence has led to massive population displacements, increasing from 300,000 to 864,550 individuals between March and December 2019. These displacements have disrupted agricultural activities, with many abandoning lands cultivated for generations, thereby compromising local food production. The lack of official land ownership documents complicates the return of displaced persons to their lands. In Burkina Faso, 240,000 people are severely affected by the loss of agricultural land, mainly in the Soum province. In Mali, 115,000 people are impacted, particularly in the Bandiagara, Bankass, and Koro circles. In Niger, 9,000 people are affected, especially in the Tahoua and Tillia departments. Despite these disruptions, markets for agricultural and food products have shown some resilience, although price increases have been observed in certain areas.

Conflict, Violence, Food insecurity

The article "Sovereignty means never having to apologize: the new geopolitics of the Sahel" analyzes the current geopolitical dynamics in the Sahel, focusing on the American military withdrawal from Niger. This has focused international attention on the region, highlighting the security and political challenges it faces. The author examines how notions of sovereignty are interpreted and applied by Sahelian states in this complex context. The article also explores the implications of this withdrawal for international relations and regional stability.

Sovereignty, Governance

The article entitled "Perceptions of the interventions of the African Union and ECOWAS" is a chapter of the report "The 'heads of state unions' on the ground: local perceptions of the African Union, ECOWAS and their interventions in Burkina Faso in 2014/2015", published by the Center on International Cooperation in 2016. The author analyzes local perceptions of the interventions of the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) during the political crisis in Burkina Faso in 2014/2015. The study reveals that although these organizations played a crucial role in mediating and resolving the crisis, local populations often perceive these interventions as being dictated by the interests of heads of state rather than those of citizens. This perception is reinforced by the lack of communication and transparency of the actions of the AU and ECOWAS, as well as a general distrust of regional institutions. The article highlights the importance of more direct involvement of local populations and better communication to improve the effectiveness and legitimacy of regional interventions.

Governance, Crisis management, Crisis, Coopération régionale

The article highlights the shortcomings of Senegal's healthcare system, exacerbated by floods that affected hospitals such as the regional hospital of Kolda and the Aristide Le Dantec hospital in Dakar in July 2022. These incidents raise questions about the funding and efficiency of resources allocated to health. Despite international commitments, Senegal has not yet reached the goal of allocating 15% of its budget to health, with only 10% in 2019. The article calls for reflection on sector governance, staff training, and adaptation to technological advances, including artificial intelligence, to improve the quality of care and meet the needs of the population.

Governance, Healthcare system

The policy brief "Possible Approaches to Address Deteriorating France-Africa Relations" explores the decline in relations between France and several African countries, particularly in the Sahel. These tensions stem from paternalistic policies and the colonial legacy, exacerbated by recent crises, such as the expulsion of ambassadors and the withdrawal of French troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The article advocates breaking away from variable-geometry diplomacy and securitized approaches while promoting a decolonial perspective on bilateral relations. It highlights the need to reform diplomatic practices, support local citizen movements, and implement inclusive policies to rebuild trust. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of repatriating cultural artifacts and fully acknowledging the colonial legacy.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Gold, Cooperation, Dialogue, Information

Le policy brief "Approches possibles pour améliorer les relations France-Afrique" examine la dégradation des relations entre la France et plusieurs pays africains, notamment au Sahel. Ces tensions découlent de politiques paternalistes et de l’héritage colonial, aggravés par des crises récentes comme les expulsions d’ambassadeurs et le retrait des troupes françaises de pays comme le Mali, le Burkina Faso et le Niger. L'article recommande de rompre avec la diplomatie à géométrie variable et les approches sécuritaires, tout en promouvant une vision décoloniale des relations bilatérales. Il met en avant la nécessité de réformer les pratiques diplomatiques, de soutenir les mouvements citoyens locaux, et d’engager des politiques inclusives pour restaurer la confiance. Enfin, il souligne l'importance de restituer les œuvres culturelles et de reconnaître pleinement l'héritage colonial.

Power, State, Security, Conflict, Human security, Influence, Cooperation, Threat, Dialogue, Information