The article "Pragmatic contexts and formalist contexts. A socio-anthropological perspective", written by Jean-Pierre Olivier de Sardan, explores the distinction between pragmatic (proximity) contexts and formalist (structural) contexts in social sciences. It shows that the social sciences mix contextualization and decontextualization according to their methods. Qualitative surveys, focused on local interactions, better reflect the complexity of the field than quantitative methods, which favor abstract indicators. The author criticizes social engineering and standardized intervention models, often developed without taking into account local contexts. He defends the importance of the agency of actors and advocates a gradual increase in generality, rather than an abstract and decontextualized generalization. The study of pragmatic contexts allows a better understanding of public policies and development projects, particularly in Africa.

Politics, Political party, Power, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Development, Gold, Social, Researh, Knowlege production

The article examines an economic and agricultural trend in West Africa: reinvesting income from working in cocoa plantations in Côte d'Ivoire into sesame and cashew nut cultivation in Sahelian countries. These crops provide a more profitable alternative to staple crops like maize and cassava. Cashew trees aid reforestation and soil fertility, while sesame, drought-resistant, fits well into local agricultural cycles. The rise of these crops improves farmers' economic conditions, promoting education and reducing rural exodus. However, labor migration to Côte d'Ivoire for cocoa farming, including child labor, remains a critical issue.

Culture, Agriculture, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Education, Development, Family, Gold, Illegal activity, EMPLOYMENT

This report analyzes protection challenges in contexts of prolonged crises and fragility in West Africa. It focuses on the link between humanitarian and development interventions, assessing approaches adopted by AFD and other donors. The study covers Sahel and Gulf of Guinea countries, facing growing instability. It identifies challenges related to the lack of a clear definition of protection, insufficient coordination among actors, and rigid contractual frameworks. The study recommends systematically integrating conflict analyses, adopting multisectoral protection, and implementing flexible mechanisms to adapt interventions to local realities. It also advocates for strengthening the capacities of local actors and enhancing synergy between humanitarian and development stakeholders.

Politics, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Justice, Conflict, Development, Gold, Social, Crisis, Protection

This report examines protection challenges in contexts of prolonged crises and fragile states in West Africa, focusing on the link between emergency and development interventions. The study primarily covers the Gulf of Guinea countries (Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin), affected by increasing instability from the Sahel. It explores how AFD and other donors can adapt their approaches to effectively prevent human rights violations. The analysis is based on a literature review and expert interviews. Key findings include the lack of a clear definition of protection, the need to enhance coordination between humanitarian and development actors, and the importance of contractual flexibility to sustain interventions in fragile areas. The study recommends strengthening contextual analysis and integrated multisectoral protection approaches.

Economic Development, Natural ressources, Justice, Conflict, Development, Gold, Social, Threat, Crisis, Protection

The report “Protection Challenges in Prolonged Crisis Contexts and Fragile States in West Africa: Coordinating Responses Between Emergency and Development” explores the challenges related to protecting populations in fragile states in West Africa, particularly in the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea. It highlights the limits of current interventions by development donors, such as AFD, and proposes strategies to better prevent rights violations. The study analyzes protection approaches, such as integrating conflict sensitivity, adapting contractual frameworks for more flexibility and involving local actors. She recommends adopting tools such as contextual monitoring, community protection and strengthening local justice. The objective is to ensure a coordinated approach between humanitarian and development actors for more effective protection in protracted crisis contexts.

Economic Development, Security, Justice, Conflict, Development, Threat, Researh, Knowlege production, Crisis, Protection

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

This article addresses the challenges of Education in Emergency Situations (EiE) in the Sahel, a region plagued by security, climate, and economic crises. It offers five operational recommendations to enhance the educational response, including investments in coordination, data collection, decentralized education funding, and community mobilization. The study highlights the need for tailored educational alternatives and more effective financing mechanisms to address current shortcomings. The authors emphasize the importance of an inclusive and sustainable approach to ensure educational continuity in the face of chronic crises.

Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Development, Family, Gold, Vulnerability, Threat, Crisis

This working paper examines the initiative of the three Sahel Alliance countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) to exit the CFA franc zone and establish a common currency. Although politically motivated, this initiative presents major economic risks, including inflation, currency devaluation, and a shortage of foreign exchange reserves. It highlights the potential short-term gains in competitiveness from devaluation, but acknowledges that structural transformations are unlikely. The article also examines the limited economic impact on regional partners such as ECOWAS and UEMOA, the potential disruption of migrant remittances, financial relations, and the minor economic effect on France.

Politics, Political party, Power, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Development, Gold, Aid

This synthesis examines artisanal and semi-industrial gold mining in the former G5 Sahel countries (Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad) and Senegal, focusing on the Liptako-Gourma region. The study highlights the economic impact of this activity on local populations and the challenges related to its regulation, particularly the involvement of non-state armed groups. While artisanal gold mining creates employment opportunities and contributes to economic development, it also generates significant environmental and health issues, notably due to the use of toxic substances like mercury. The report calls for coordinated governance and strengthened regulation to transform this activity into a lever for sustainable development and regional stability.

State, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Development, Gold, Human security, Threat, Knowlege production