The article “The Current Status of Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea” by Lamir Ado Mohammed and Dimitrios Dalaklis (World Maritime University) examines the current state of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, focusing on Nigerian waters. Using a quantitative approach based on data from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), the study finds a significant decline in piracy and sea crimes. This progress is attributed to coordinated efforts among NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, and G7++ Friends of the Gulf of Guinea (FoGG) navies. The SPOMO Act has further deterred offenders. However, piracy appears to be shifting to other areas within the Gulf. The authors emphasize the need for an integrated approach including coastal community development, Blue Economy promotion, improved surveillance, and anti-corruption measures.

Bribery, Governance, Security, Piracy

This paper investigates the effect of urbanization on household food security in Mali by using both objective (per capita food expenditure) and subjective (Household Hunger Scale) measures. The data set consists of 9,782 households surveyed in February 2018 under the national food security and nutrition survey (ENSAN) conducted by Mali’s Early Warning System (SAP). The findings indicate that urban households are less food secure than rural ones: urbanization significantly decreases food expenditure per capita and increases the likelihood of being food insecure (mild to moderate). Key explanatory factors include low and irregular urban incomes, heavy dependence on purchased food, and limited own-food production. The authors suggest policymakers should target urban poor households in food safety nets and social protection schemes.

Governance, Food security, Urbanisation

The article examines the wave of democratic backsliding in West Africa, highlighting main drivers : increased military influence in politics, electoral manipulation, constitutional changes benefiting incumbents, and lack of economic dividends for citizens. To counter this trend, the author suggests (1) addressing causes of military intervention particularly poor socio-economic conditions, (2) building trust in institutions such as the judiciary, media and electoral bodies, and (3) enhancing the role of civil society. Overall, the argument is that only through stronger governance institutions and better socio-economic outcomes for citizens can the trend of democratic decline be reversed.

Governance, Democracy, Institution

The 2023 Human Rights Report on Côte d’Ivoire notes no significant overall changes during the year, while documenting key concerns: arbitrary or unlawful killings (including extrajudicial), torture and ill-treatment, harsh, life-threatening prison conditions (severe overcrowding at MACA), arbitrary arrest and detention, serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media (suspensions, self-censorship), interference with peaceful assembly, corruption, and violence against LGBTQI+ persons. Reports describe abuse between arrest and booking, inadequate food and medical care in some facilities, and prolonged pretrial detention amid limited judicial capacity outside major cities. While the report notes incremental improvements (e.g., a new prison, more outdoor time for inmates), it concludes the government did not consistently identify and punish officials responsible for abuses.

Bribery, Governance, Justice, Human Rights, Liberté d'expression, Impunity

This article analyzes ECOWAS’s response to the 2021 coup d’état in Guinea through the lens of the Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. The authors argue that ECOWAS’s reaction was undermined by internal contradictions and political inconsistency. While condemning coups, the organization remained silent on Alpha Condé’s constitutional manipulation, which allowed him to extend his rule unlawfully. This selective stance eroded ECOWAS’s credibility. The paper highlights the limited impact of sanctions, the shallow economic integration among member states, and the growing cooperation among military regimes in Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. It concludes that ECOWAS must strengthen its monitoring of electoral processes, enforce its democratic norms equally, and avoid double standards if it seeks to restore legitimacy and promote lasting democratic governance in West Africa.

Power, State, Governance, Economic Development, Justice, Conflict, Democracy, Development, Election, Threat

The August–September 2025 Multisectoral Monitoring Bulletin by Action Against Hunger – Mali Mission presents an overview of the humanitarian, agricultural, and health situation in Timbuktu and Taoudéni regions. Pasture and hydrological conditions have improved, but agricultural performance remains uneven: Timbuktu almost met its targets, while Taoudéni lagged behind due to low rainfall. Livestock epidemics are under control, yet malnutrition and malaria cases have increased. Over 20,000 animals were vaccinated, and health centers recorded 7,064 cases of acute malnutrition in Timbuktu and 1,006 in Taoudéni. The Niger River’s rising water level disrupted fishing activities. Security conditions remain volatile, with armed group pressure and internal displacements persisting. The report urges stronger measures in security, health, agriculture, and resilience building to support affected populations.

Culture, State, Agriculture, Economic Development, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Family, Gold, Human security, Malnutrition, water

This podcast episode highlights the critical importance of keeping girls in school for the future of West African and African societies. While political and security issues often dominate the agenda, girls’ education remains a foundational element for social stability, cohesion, employment, and meaning for populations. With guest expert Aïcha Awa Ba, the discussion reveals major obstacles to girls’ schooling: early marriage, the perceived opportunity cost for parents, and social norms that prioritize future mother/spouse roles over education. Comparative data indicate that even when gross enrolment rates are similar between countries, gender parity can differ greatly—Senegal is cited as a case where strong public policies and civil society engagement have produced positive results. In conclusion, the episode calls for integrated girls’ education policies tailored to sociocultural contexts and ongoing community dialogue to shift perceptions: the future of societies depends on it.

Culture, Governance, Gender, Education, Women

The article examines the growing influence of militant groups, especially the JNIM, in western Mali (regions of Kayes, Nioro, Diboli). After the coordinated attacks on 1 July 2025, a blockade was implemented, disrupting transport and economic flows (buses stopped, fuel tankers attacked). The Bamako–Kayes–Dakar corridor, essential for energy supply and commercial exchanges with Senegal, is now endangered. Mali is attempting to bolster its military infrastructure (including a new camp in Nioro) but struggles to maintain a lasting presence, while the terrorists favour high-impact, mobile operations rather than permanent occupation. Senegal is engaging in mixed border patrols, recognizing that the threat, although diffuse, remains real.

Governance, Boundary, Security, Terrorism, Economic growth

The report analyzes the upcoming 2025 Ivorian presidential election, marked by tension and recurring patterns of political confrontation. It highlights the absence of any peaceful transfer of power since 1995 a situation described as the “Ivorian paradox.” The controversy surrounding President Alassane Ouattara’s fourth-term bid, coupled with the exclusion of key opposition figures, fuels deep resentment and polarization. The report also points to the failure of political elites to establish genuine dialogue on electoral rules, as well as the revival of divisive identity politics related to nationality and “Ivoirité.” Despite steady economic growth, fragile institutions and low public trust increase the risk of instability. The election is therefore described as “high-risk,” with potential for major unrest if the process continues to be viewed as non-inclusive.

Cultural identity, Governance, Election, Political identity, Presidential term limits