The Senegal country brief, published on May 19, 2025, by the PASAS platform, summarizes 72 references addressing educational, health, environmental, social, and political issues in the country. Senegal’s expanding higher education system still struggles with inequality in access and quality. Public health faces challenges such as malnutrition, mental health stigmatization, and poor healthcare coverage. Environmental concerns—particularly water and land management—are linked to urban and rural tensions. Social dynamics reflect the mobilization of youth and women’s movements. Governance is explored through political transitions, security challenges at the borders, and Senegal’s shifting role in regional diplomacy. The brief also highlights gaps in coverage, including primary education, infectious diseases, and religious healthcare services.

Politics, Political party, Governance, Environment, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Education, Youth, Gold, Human security, Social, Health, Researh

This article examines Africa's structural dependence on external actors in its technology sector, particularly highlighting cyber vulnerability risks. The continent’s ICT infrastructure is largely dominated by Chinese and American firms, raising serious questions about digital sovereignty. The author presents Africa’s tech stack in five layers (apps, operating systems, consumer products, infrastructure, service providers) and details global actors’ market shares. Despite foreign influence, African governments and firms retain strategic agency, illustrated by emerging cybersecurity regulations and homegrown innovation. The article urges African states to prioritize cybersecurity, promote supplier diversity, and better adapt technology choices to local needs. Reducing overreliance on foreign actors and strengthening national capacities are framed as key to safeguarding Africa’s digital future.

State, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Gold, Poverty, Human security, Influence, Private sector, Information

In northwestern Nigeria, violent criminal gangs have intensified attacks since 2019, resulting in massive displacements, agricultural collapse, and record insecurity. By 2024, over 3,980 deaths were projected. With an estimated 30,000 active members, these "bandits" conduct mass kidnappings, seize farmlands and mining sites, and extort rural populations. Their actions have devastated commerce, education (168 schools closed in Zamfara), and food security, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The Nigerian government’s fragmented response has failed to contain the violence. The authors recommend redeploying police forces, strengthening the rule of law, regulating local militias, and rebuilding trust between state and communities to reverse the region’s spiral into lawlessness.

Power, State, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Political Violence, Gold, Human security, Violence, Threat

In this article published in March 2025 by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, Joseph Siegle analyzes the regional and political drivers of Sudan’s ongoing conflict. He discusses the U.S. designation of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as perpetrators of genocide in Darfur, where civilians—mainly from the Masalit ethnic group—have suffered large-scale atrocities. The conflict, a power struggle between RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), has attracted competing regional sponsors: the United Arab Emirates back RSF, while Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and others support SAF. Siegle warns of the danger of a prolonged proxy war and emphasizes the need for Sudanese civilians to be central in any negotiated settlement. He calls for all regional actors to reassess their strategic interests to prevent further fragmentation and ensure a viable political resolution.

Politics, Political party, Power, State, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Conflict, Gold, Threat

Matthew La Lime’s article, published by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies in November 2024, explores the rise of Black Axe, Nigeria’s most notorious transnational criminal organization. Originally a student fraternity, Black Axe has evolved into a global criminal enterprise operating in over 30 countries. Its billions in annual revenue come from cybercrime, money laundering, drug trafficking, and sex work. In Nigeria, Black Axe exerts influence over politics through patrimonial networks, protected by elites who hinder legal prosecution. While international operations like INTERPOL’s Jackal III have made arrests, domestic efforts are largely ineffective due to political interference. The article recommends legal reforms, grassroots mobilization, and enhanced international cooperation to dismantle Black Axe’s power structure and financial flows.

Politics, Political party, Power, State, Natural ressources, Political Violence, Gold, Violence, Threat, Illegal activity

The July 2023 military coup in Niger reversed a decade of socio-economic and democratic progress achieved under elected presidents Issoufou and Bazoum. Prior to the coup, Niger was experiencing steady economic growth, reduced extremist violence, and institutional strengthening. Since the junta's takeover, conditions have worsened: a surge in terrorist attacks, a dramatic drop in economic forecasts, rising food prices, erosion of press freedom, suspension of democratic bodies, and a wave of pro-Russian disinformation. The junta dismantled transparency mechanisms and compromised national sovereignty, notably by granting concessions to Russian-affiliated groups like Africa Corps. These actions jeopardize both domestic and regional stability, underscoring the critical role of democratic governance in sustainable development and citizen empowerment.

State, Sovereignty, Natural ressources, Security, Peace, Justice, Education, Gold, Human security, Infowar, Information, Coup d'État, Disinformation

The study "Food Insecurity in the Central Sahel", coordinated by Pierre Janin, assesses public policies and crisis management systems in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger since 2004. It embraces a critical and context-sensitive approach, moving beyond simplistic causal explanations to address the multifaceted nature of food crises, shaped by climatic, economic, political, and security factors. The study reviews four major crises (2004–2005, 2007–2008, 2011–2012, 2020–2022) in each country, evaluating the relevance and evolution of institutional responses. It advocates for a shift from technical risk management to strategic governance, emphasizing negotiated compromises and adaptive responses. The growing politicization of food-related challenges—exemplified by the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—reshapes regional sovereignty dynamics and calls for innovative policy frameworks.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Food security, Gold, Human security, Crisis, Insécurité, Food insecurity

The July 2023 military coup in Niger reversed a decade of democratic and socio-economic progress. Under democratically elected presidents Issoufou and Bazoum, Niger had made significant advances in security, economic growth, governance, and press freedom. Since the junta took power, these achievements have deteriorated: a 67% increase in terrorism-related deaths, economic decline, media repression, loss of civil liberties, and decreased transparency. The junta has also strengthened ties with Russia, enabling disinformation and controversial mining concessions. The dissolution of elected institutions and militarization of governance reflect a major crisis in national sovereignty and democratic order. This regression not only destabilizes Niger but has broader implications for West African regional stability.

State, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Peace, Justice, Education, Democracy, Gold, Human security, Medias, Infowar, Information

The article by Joseph Siegle and Hany Wahila, published by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, explores the democratic implications of Africa’s 2025 elections. In a context of declining democratic norms, ten elections are scheduled across West and Central Africa, many of which are expected to be heavily orchestrated. The authors highlight how incumbent regimes manipulate electoral institutions to retain power. The article stresses the importance of distinguishing genuinely competitive elections from staged ones. Independent observers, media, and civil society play a critical role in defending electoral integrity. These elections will serve as a major credibility test for democracy in Africa.

Politics, Political party, Power, State, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Election, Gold, Human security