This briefing addresses information integrity challenges in West Africa and proposes a context-appropriate policy framework. It reviews international, continental, and regional policy instruments, identifying gaps in digital governance. Aligned with UNESCO’s guidelines, the paper outlines minimum requirements for platform governance, particularly during elections or crises. The framework aims to promote responsible governance, build social cohesion, and safeguard democratic processes. It emphasizes the need to effectively counter misinformation, hate speech, and elevate access to reliable information as a public good. The briefing targets policymakers, regulators, civil society, journalists, and researchers working to protect digital rights and reinforce information integrity across the region.

Governance, Information, Social cohesion, Disinformation

The article “Climate adaptation of millet and sorghum varieties in North‑Eastern Senegal: cross‑referencing rainfall, thermal and phenological parameters” evaluates the performance of several millet (Souna 3, ICTP 8203, GB 8735, Gawane, Chakti) and sorghum (CE 180‑33, Payenne, Golobé) varieties under local climatic constraints—rainfall deficits and thermal stress—in three study zones: Podor, Matam, and Linguère. Analysis of long-term precipitation and temperature data shows a clear decline in rainfall since the 1970s alongside increased thermal constraints. Millet Chakti and ICTP 8203 emerge as notably adapted to eastern and western areas, with suitability above 80% during the periods studied, whereas none of the varieties adapts well to the northern zone. Farmers also point to livestock roaming, bird pests, and parasitic infestations as contributing to reduced yields. The study emphasizes the urgent need to promote better-adapted varieties and enhance crop protection measures.

Agriculture, Climate change, Environment

This report examines the evolution of Islamic donors in the Sahel, from their historical roots to their recent strategic shifts. Initially framed by South-South solidarity and the oil shocks of the 1970s, Gulf donors gradually expanded their influence through religious and private aid, notably via Islamic NGOs and non-profit organizations. The study highlights the privatization of aid, the emergence of a “Muslim humanitarianism,” and the growing role of Salafist NGOs in social work, especially in Senegal. These actors, perceived as close to communities, provide assistance considered accessible and effective, while challenging traditional Western cooperation models. Their strategies include delegitimizing classical partners and reshaping local socio-political dynamics. The report concludes that international agencies must adapt, build partnerships with legitimate Islamic actors, and integrate local cultural and religious contexts to enhance peacebuilding and sustainable development in the region.

Politics, Political party, State, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Donor, Gold, Social, Aid, Civil Society

The Pastoral Surveillance Bulletin for Senegal (No. 41, June–July 2025) highlights late and irregular rains, causing a severe pastoral lean season in the north (Louga, Saint-Louis, Matam). Transhumance flows were intense, with herds moving southward (Kaolack, Kaffrine, Tambacounda) and across borders with Mauritania and Mali. While forage and water resources were more favorable in Casamance and eastern Senegal, overgrazing and pressure on water points increased health risks and tensions. Livestock prices, especially for male cattle (+12%), rose sharply, improving terms of trade for pastoralists but undermining non-herding households’ purchasing power. The bulletin also reports animal diseases, frequent cattle thefts (Louga, Kaffrine, Tambacounda), and localized farmer–herder conflicts. Recommendations emphasize strengthening pastoral infrastructure, ensuring coordinated management of transhumance corridors, reinforcing animal health surveillance, and providing targeted support to vulnerable households.

State, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Education, Food security, Gold, Poverty, Human security, Vulnerability, Transhumance

This country profile provides a synthesis of 29 studies on Chad, including 27 specifically focused on the country. It highlights four main themes: the State and democratic transition, marked by institutional fragility, power centralization, and the Déby family’s dynastic legacy; economy, justice, and education, stressing the need for structural reforms, the impact of cash transfers, weaknesses in higher education, and challenges of Arabic-Islamic education; gender and caste inequalities, with the persistent marginalization of women and socially discriminated groups; and armed conflicts, detailing Boko Haram’s recruitment strategies, the weaknesses of the Chadian army, humanitarian consequences of ongoing conflicts, and the massive influx of Sudanese refugees. The conclusion points out underexplored issues such as climate change, public health, cultural dynamics, energy, and migration.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Peace, Justice, Conflict, Education, Gold, Human security

This country profile compiles 346 references on Burkina Faso, covering governance, security, peacebuilding, education, economy, and environment. Studies highlight the fragility of democracy, the role of traditional chieftaincies, and the reconfiguration of relations with ECOWAS, France, and Turkey. The security section (136 references) provides a detailed overview of the economy of armed groups, gold mining, arms proliferation, and the role of local militias (VDP). Human impacts are underlined, including violence against women and youth recruitment into armed groups. Peacebuilding and humanitarian analyses stress the need for local approaches and alternatives beyond military action. Thematic entries on youth, gender, health, and employment point both to vulnerabilities and resilience strategies. Environmental issues, especially pastoralism, are described as “polycrises,” illustrating the interconnections between security, climate, and agricultural crises in the Sahel. Overall, the report emphasizes the interplay of local dynamics with regional and global geopolitical shifts

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

This research paper explores the transformation of policies—legislative, legal, and institutional—related to gender-inclusive development across basic education, higher education, and scientific research in Côte d'Ivoire. Drawing on both primary data (interviews with key stakeholders in ministries and NGOs) and secondary sources (databases from ECOWAS, the African Union, and national ministries), the study finds that the coordinated implementation of international resolutions has significantly reduced gender disparities in basic education. While advancements are also noted in higher education, many challenges remain: lack of gender-disaggregated data, inadequate qualitative monitoring, and insufficient support for women’s progression in academic and research careers. The author concludes with actionable recommendations: enhance data collection systems, foster institutional cooperation, and elevate the status of female graduates in professional sectors to sustain gender equality gains.

Governance, Gender, Education, Politique publique

The Time to Teach report investigates primary school teacher absenteeism in Guinea‑Bissau—a critical barrier to delivering quality education. It identifies four distinct forms of absenteeism: school absence, tardiness/early departure, classroom absence, and reduced instructional time (time on task) . Using a mixed-methods approach—including school observations, surveys with 180 teachers, interviews, and focus groups across 20 schools—the study offers grounded insights . Findings reveal that 26% of teachers are absent at least once weekly, 23% regularly experience reduced time on task, and 22% frequently miss their classes . Self-managed schools report lower absenteeism, attributed to community involvement and financial incentives. Key factors supporting teacher presence include active school leadership, teacher job satisfaction, and training UNICEF. The study proposes policy recommendations aimed at improving employment conditions, bolstering community engagement, strengthening school leadership, enhancing teacher training, and ensuring learning continuity during school closures.

Governance, Education, Politique publique

The Mali country profile compiles 479 references spanning governance, security, peace, education, gender, economy, and environment. On governance, it highlights the democratic backsliding in the Sahel and debates around the “fetishization” of elections, while proposing alternative forms of substantive democracy. The security section (178 references) explores the organization of jihadist groups (JNIM, AQMI), their identity dynamics (notably among the Fulani), resource bases (gold mining, drug trafficking), and counter-responses (local militias, Wagner). Peace and mediation studies emphasize intercommunal dialogue, inclusivity, and the role of civil society and women. Education and youth analyses discuss girls’ access to schooling, gender-based violence, and youth employment. Economic studies examine debt sustainability, the implications of ECOWAS withdrawal, and women’s entrepreneurship. Environmental and pastoralist issues are presented as direct sources of conflict—“polycrises” linking climate change, resource competition, and insecurity. Overall, the report reflects the complexity of Mali’s crises and their regional dimensions

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