The article “Governance and Economic Development in West Africa: Linking Governance with Economic Misery” investigates the nexus between governance and economic development across West African countries. Using indicators such as political stability, government effectiveness, and corruption control, the authors evaluate governance performance in the region. Findings reveal that while Cape Verde, Ghana, and The Gambia achieve relatively positive scores, most countries suffer from institutional weaknesses. Mali is highlighted as a case of severe decline, driven by recurrent political and security crises. The study argues that poor governance significantly contributes to “economic misery” by exacerbating poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment. The authors emphasize that strengthening domestic institutions—through transparency, accountability, and democratic participation—is essential for sustainable economic progress and social stability in West Africa.

State, Governance, Economic Development, Justice, Education, Development, Threat, Researh, Knowlege production, Institution

This Policy Brief from the Gorée Institute examines the root causes of state fragility in the Sahel (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger) and outlines practical strategies for rebuilding resilient institutions. It highlights the dominance of the executive branch, institutional weaknesses, lack of political legitimacy, social inequalities, climate change, and insecurity as core drivers of collapse. The brief proposes a comprehensive reform agenda focused on democratic governance (institutional balance, judicial independence) and good governance (decentralization, transparency, and poverty reduction). It emphasizes the need for an integrated approach combining institutional reform, inclusive development, regional cooperation, and citizen engagement to restore state legitimacy and stability in the Sahel.

Politics, Political party, Power, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Gold, Human security, Social, Institution

This article highlights deficiencies in Senegal's budgetary oversight, as revealed by an audit from the Court of Accounts covering 2019–2023. The audit uncovered a 5.6 percentage point upward revision in the average budget deficit and an increase in public debt from 74.4% to 99.7% of GDP. These findings, corroborated by the IMF, underscore the urgency of strengthening public financial oversight institutions. The article advocates for greater independence of control bodies, systematic publication of their reports, and a culture of accountability. It emphasizes the crucial role of these institutions in ensuring budgetary transparency, investor confidence, and effective implementation of public policies.

Institution, Contrôle financier, Public debt, Transparency, Accountability

In this interview, Dr. Sarr emphasizes that the main political priority for Senegal's next president should be to re-establish dialogue and restore citizens' trust in institutions. He highlights the importance of continuous dialogue between the government and the opposition, even outside electoral periods, to strengthen democracy and ensure national stability. Dr. Sarr also underscores the need to heed the aspirations of the youth, who constitute approximately 65 to 70% of Senegal's population, and to involve them more actively in nation-building. He addresses critical challenges such as youth unemployment, reforming the education system, combating inflation, managing clandestine immigration, and improving the healthcare system. Finally, he calls for a reassessment of Senegal's hyper-presidential political system to achieve a better balance of power and greater autonomy for judicial and legislative institutions.

Youth, Election, Dialogue, Institution, Hyperprésidentialisme

The article “Lessons from the Covid-19 crisis on governance in West Africa”, published by the Think Tank WATHI, analyses the impact of the pandemic on the governance of West African countries. It highlights pre-existing flaws in governance systems and proposes avenues of action to strengthen the resilience of States to future crises. The study highlights the importance of more transparent, participatory and effective governance to ensure the protection of citizens in times of crisis. Key recommendations include: improving the decision-maker selection process, citizen participation in public policies, protecting fundamental rights, fighting corruption and investing in scientific research. The article stresses the need for States to invest more in public infrastructure, particularly in health services, to avoid future major crises.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Education, Gold, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production, Crisis, Institution

This article examines the shortcomings of security sector reform (SSR) programs in Africa, which focus primarily on state institutions without sufficient consideration of local realities. The authors introduce the concept of hybridity to better understand the interaction between state and non-state actors that influence security governance on the continent. These often-overlooked informal actors play a crucial role in regulating security and justice. The article critiques the dominant Western-inspired state model and advocates for broader recognition of customary norms and alternative security networks. By adopting hybridity as an analytical tool, policymakers could rethink security policies to better integrate these complex dynamics, which are often underestimated in reform efforts. The article argues that recognizing and adapting to these hybrid governance structures would improve the effectiveness of security interventions in Africa.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Peace, Education, Gold, Human security, Institution

The article titled "The Role of Customary Institutions in Building Youth Resilience to Violence" examines how traditional structures in sub-Saharan Africa help strengthen youth resilience against violence. The authors point out that current policies often focus on youth involved in violence, overlooking the majority who choose peaceful paths. This focus can perpetuate negative stereotypes about African youth. By exploring the reasons why most young people do not resort to violence, the study highlights the crucial role of customary institutions in conflict prevention and mediation. These traditional structures provide support mechanisms and conflict resolution methods tailored to local contexts, thus promoting social cohesion and peace. The authors call for increased recognition and integration of these institutions into violence prevention strategies.

Security, Political Violence, Education, Human security, Violence, Customs, Threat, Soicial sciences, Knowlege production, Institution

The article “The State must reach out to young people who have great ambitions…” presents an interview with Djibril Maïga, promoter of the Agrotech Niger start-up. He underlines the importance for the State to support ambitious young entrepreneurs, particularly in the agricultural sector. Djibril Maïga highlighted the potential of agro-technology to transform agriculture in Niger and improve food security. He calls for increased collaboration between public authorities and young innovators to promote the economic and social development of the country. According to him, adequate institutional support is essential to enable youth initiatives to flourish and contribute significantly to national growth.

Governance, Agriculture, Youth, Food security, Institution, Entrepreneurship

The summary examines vulnerabilities and resilience factors in governance in Niger. Despite modernization reforms launched in 2013 to enhance public administration efficiency, structural issues persist: under-administration, politicization of public roles, and a lack of human and material resources. Decentralization and deconcentration are key levers, but their implementation faces obstacles such as weak coordination and territorial inequalities. Technical and financial partners play a structuring role, though sometimes to the detriment of national institutions. Public servants demonstrate resilience, maintaining essential services despite challenges. The summary advocates strengthening territorial reforms, improving local resource management, and fostering social ownership of public policies for more inclusive and effective governance.

State, Governance, Economic Development, Security, Education, Development, Human security, Knowlege production, EMPLOYMENT, Institution