The article examines Africa’s emergence as a critical stage in the strategic rivalry between the United States and China. The July 2025 mini‑summit hosted by Trump with five African leaders signals renewed American interest in a continent traditionally influenced by Sino‑American competition and other global powers. Africa, rich in natural resources—minerals, hydrocarbons—and strategically positioned (Suez, Bab-el‑Mandeb, Djibouti), has become a prime arena of global “neo‑imperialism.” Beijing wields influence through infrastructure projects—roads, hospitals, railways—in exchange for resources, causing high debt levels. Meanwhile, under Trump, US diplomacy counteracts China’s expansion. The article highlights that Africa fits into the broader geostrategic competition in the Indo‑Pacific, with China emerging as a systemic rival to the US through technological advancement and escalating global influence.

Politics, Governance, Natural ressources, Influence, Diplomacy

In this episode of Les Voix de WATHI, Pape Abdou Ndour examines the highly publicized July 9, 2025, meeting at the White House between Donald Trump and five African presidents (Gabon, Guinea‑Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Senegal). Beneath the surface of ceremonial protocol, the author reveals that Washington relies on the CIA to conduct serious profiling of foreign leaders through a comprehensive briefing — covering personality, goals, national context, friction points, and political outlook — to grant the U.S. president a strategic edge . This preparation is detailed in an article by Judd Devermont, Intelligence Advantage: Profiling African Leaders’ Meeting with U.S. Presidents. Such intelligence-driven diplomacy shapes interactions before, during, and after visits. Considering this intense strategic exercise, the author urges African countries to enhance their own information-gathering capabilities to better defend their interests

Governance, Diplomacy, Intelligence artificielle

The article highlights the unprecedented Washington meeting held from July 9 to 11, 2025, between Donald Trump and five African presidents (Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Senegal). While Trump implemented an executive order suspending U.S. aid and pivoting his foreign policy towards bilateral deals grounded in trade and security, this summit presents a strategic opportunity for Senegal, under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Aligning with its “Senegal 2050” agenda, the country can capitalize on this shift by asserting regional leadership, showcasing its strengths in security, energy, and digital sectors, and positioning itself as a key player amid China and BRICS influence. The global shift from traditional aid to structured commercial partnerships provides a platform for Senegal to emerge as a reliable strategic partner, attracting productive investment.

Governance, Economic Development, Security, Diplomacy, International cooperation

The article "Climate Change: Mitigation and Adaptation in the Sahel and West Africa", based on a dialogue by WATHI and the SWAC, highlights the region's growing vulnerability to climate change. Sahel and West Africa face rapid biodiversity loss, agro-pastoral conflicts, droughts, floods, and forced displacement. Urbanization and demographic pressure increase competition for resources. Panelists call for an energy transition based on renewables, improved water management, integration of local knowledge, and a shift in scientific research towards practical solutions. The report urges a rethinking of development policies through a sustainable, inclusive, and low-carbon lens.

Politics, Political party, Economic Development, Climate change, Natural ressources, Development, Gold, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

This report investigates mental health challenges in crisis-affected contexts in Mali, Mauritania, and Chad. It highlights the impact of violence, poverty, gender inequalities, and forced displacement on mental well-being. The study explores the history of psychiatry, public policies, key actors, and presents field research in each country. Findings reveal a high prevalence of mental disorders (depression, psychosis, PTSD), a severe lack of infrastructure and trained personnel, and a weak integration between traditional and modern care. The report recommends strengthening national mental health systems, combating stigma, supporting community-based care, and aligning humanitarian interventions with local culture and psychosocial needs as part of resilience-building strategies.

Migration, Gender, Political Violence, Education, Violence, Customs, Threat, refugee, Researh, Knowlege production, Santé mentale

This bulletin, published by Action Against Hunger (ACF) in May 2025, presents monitoring data from 64 microenterprises supported in Bassikounou, Mauritania. The report highlights the continued economic vulnerability of households, despite support for income-generating activities (IGAs). Average monthly income remains low (27,540 MRU) and unstable, particularly for women (22,250 MRU). Households face heavy expenses for health, food, and education, with limited savings capacity and weak income diversification. The report also notes the negative impact of climate shocks on economic activities. While beneficiaries acknowledge positive effects from the program, their prospects remain precarious without structural support, enhanced market access, training, and financing opportunities.

Agriculture, Economic Development, Gender, Natural ressources, Education, Development, Gold, Aid, Private sector, Funding

The April–May 2025 pastoral surveillance bulletin (No. 40), published by Action Against Hunger and the Billital Maroobé Network, assesses the pastoral situation in Senegal. It highlights north-to-south transhumance movements, with herds arriving from Mauritania and leaving toward Mali. Although vegetation cover is generally adequate, notable deficits persist in northern regions. Water resources are largely sufficient but rely heavily on boreholes. Animal diseases, livestock theft, and conflicts between herders and farmers are reported. On markets, male cattle prices rose significantly, and rice prices remained high compared to the five-year average. The bulletin urges strengthened pastoral infrastructure, conflict resolution training, and support to local transhumance committees to manage regional vulnerabilities and ensure resource access and livestock security during the pastoral lean season.

State, Pastoralism, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Human security, Soicial sciences, Information

The study “Integrating Mental Health into Crisis Contexts in the Sahel/West Africa” examines the effects of security and humanitarian crises on mental health in Mali, Mauritania, and Chad. It highlights a high prevalence of psychosocial disorders—such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression—driven by armed violence, forced displacement, service breakdowns, and social isolation. Access to care remains limited due to a shortage of qualified personnel, lack of financial resources, and persistent stigma. The report calls for mainstreaming mental health into humanitarian responses and public policies, strengthening community-based support, and producing disaggregated data that is gender- and age-sensitive.

Gender, Natural ressources, Political Violence, Education, Family, Gold, Social, Health, Violence, Threat, Crisis, Santé mentale

On June 1, 2025, the Boulikessi military camp in Douentza region (central Mali) was attacked by jihadist groups affiliated with GSIM, resulting in several Malian soldiers killed . The camp is strategically located at a border crossroads with Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mauritania, controlling fuel, arms, and ammunition trafficking routes . Since 2011, various armed factions (MNLA, MUJAO, MAA, GATIA, HCUA) have fought to control it, exploiting power vacuums . Reinforced with civilian infrastructure in 2016, it faced further attacks in 2017 and 2019, causing looting and friction with locals . Recaptures of the camp are often followed by terror assaults, undermining regional stability. The article warns that the fall of Boulikessi would expose nearby hubs like Hombori and Mondoro, significantly exacerbating security risks in the area.

Governance, Boundary, Security, Military activity, Trafic