The article “Burkina Faso: rethinking territorial administration and development planning (first part)” analyzes the country's social, political and security crises, attributed to ineffective governance and inadequate local development. He proposes a reform of territorial administration, suggesting regionalization inspired by the Kenyan model, where the regions would have increased autonomy and limited legislative powers under the control of the central state. This approach aims to strengthen the legitimacy of local governments, improve territorial governance and involve populations more in decision-making, while preserving national unity.

Governance, Public Administration, Local development, Réforme

Awareness raising and mediation is essential to find endogenous solutions to conflicts related to the control of resources such as pastures, agricultural lands and livestock. The article highlights the importance of recognizing and strengthening the role of women, in line with resolution 1325, for sustainable peace in the region.

Agriculture, Pastoralism, Peace, Conflict, Women, REAL ESTATE

WATHI's article analyzes the growing threat of regional disintegration in West Africa, exacerbated by multiple crises: insecurity, political instability, armed conflicts, and socio-economic challenges. Factors such as the military coup in several countries (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger), the rise of jihadist armed groups, and tensions between local communities are worsening regional fragility. These dynamics threaten state cohesion and regional integration efforts. Faced with this critical situation, the article calls for urgent collective action, focused on restoring democratic governance, strengthening local institutions, and promoting inclusive development policies. It emphasizes the importance of African solutions, driven by responsible states and committed populations, to avoid total fragmentation. Resignation is rejected in favor of a proactive approach to building a stable future

Inequality, Conflict, Crisis management, Jihad, Poverty, Social cohesion, Institution

WATHI's article analyzes the growing threat of regional disintegration in West Africa, exacerbated by multiple crises: insecurity, political instability, armed conflicts, and socio-economic challenges. Factors such as the military coup in several countries (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger), the rise of jihadist armed groups, and tensions between local communities are worsening regional fragility. These dynamics threaten state cohesion and regional integration efforts. Faced with this critical situation, the article calls for urgent collective action, focused on restoring democratic governance, strengthening local institutions, and promoting inclusive development policies. It emphasizes the importance of African solutions, driven by responsible states and committed populations, to avoid total fragmentation. Resignation is rejected in favor of a proactive approach to building a stable future

Inequality, Conflict, Crisis management, Jihad, Poverty, Social cohesion, Crisis, Institution

The article “Slavery by Descent in the Kayes Region” examines the persistence of hereditary slavery in Mali, particularly among the Soninké and Malinké communities of the Kayes region. Historically, slavery was an economic and social pillar, ensuring the prosperity of local elites. Despite its official abolition in 1905, hierarchical social structures persist, maintaining power relations based on descent. The study highlights that, although Islam encourages emancipation, some local interpretations of sacred texts have been used to legitimize this practice. Religious scholars, or marabouts, play an ambivalent role, sometimes perceived as complacent towards slavery by descent. This situation leads to discrimination and social tensions, requiring concerted action to eradicate these practices and promote equality.

Discrimination, Esclavage

WATHI’s article highlights the growing risks of the Sahel becoming a proxy war theatre, where foreign powers clash to defend their strategic interests. In a context of multiple crises – insecurity, poverty and political instability – the region attracts international actors with divergent agendas, including Russia, China, the United States and the European Union. These interventions, often disguised as aid or partnerships, exacerbate local tensions and divisions between Sahelian countries. Geopolitical rivalries risk aggravating regional fragility and diverting attention from the real challenges: economic development, governance and sustainable security. The article calls for concerted action by Sahelian states to preserve their sovereignty and avoid the instrumentalization of their territories. It also advocates strengthened regional cooperation and balanced partnerships to build lasting peace and respond to human needs.

Sovereignty, Governance, Security, Conflict, Poverty, Crisis

The Africa Center for Strategic Studies article, published on February 21, 2019, analyzes the evolution of Islamist militant groups in the Sahel. Since 2016, violent incidents involving these groups have doubled each year, from 90 in 2016 to 465 in 2018, with a parallel increase in associated deaths, from 218 to 1,110 over the same period. Violence against civilians also increased, accounting for 34% of reported incidents in 2018. Mali remains the epicenter of this violence, accounting for 64% of incidents in 2018. This increase is attributed to increased cooperation between militant groups, particularly within the Jama'at Nusrat al Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) coalition, formed in March 2017. Burkina Faso, previously spared, has seen a rapid escalation, with incidents increasing from 3 in 2015 to 137 in 2018. The groups generally operate in specific geographic areas, with JNIM active in central and northern Mali, Ansaroul Islam around Djibo in Burkina Faso, and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) along the Mali-Niger border.

Security, Conflict, Jihad, Violence