The article "The Return of the Silent Force to Power in West Africa" by Bah Traoré, published on August 3, 2023, on WATHI, analyzes the resurgence of military coups in West Africa, particularly in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. These events echo the 1970s and 1980s, characterized by frequent coups. The author notes that the democratic transition initiated in the 1990s did not meet the populations' expectations regarding governance and reducing inequalities. In Niger, despite a relatively stable security situation compared to its neighbors, the military seized power, citing reasons similar to those in Mali and Burkina Faso. Niger has become a strategic base for Western countries in the fight against terrorism, while diversifying its partnerships, notably with Turkey for the acquisition of military drones.

Governance, Terrorism, Military activity, Coup d'État

The article "Le Niger, nouvelle zone grise saharo-sahélienne" examines Niger's situation, facing political, economic, and security challenges. Despite apparent stability, the country experiences internal political tensions, an economy reliant on international aid, and under-exploited natural resources. Rapid population growth exacerbates difficulties, with one of the highest birth rates globally. Public services, particularly in education and health, are inadequate, increasing population vulnerability. Niger confronts growing security threats, including Sahelian terrorism and forced population movements. These combined factors position Niger as a Saharan-Sahelian "grey zone," where state fragility and multiple crises threaten regional stability.

Politics, Security, Vulnerability, Threat, Instabilité

This text analyzes citizen participation in public security policies in Niger and Burkina Faso. It shows that this citizen involvement in security governance has been shaped by the dynamics of political regimes and their international relations. As an instrument of political regulation, citizen participation thus appears as a privileged site of observation of power struggles and the creation of public action in states under aid regimes. The analysis proves to be very fruitful under the prism of the logic of extraversion that characterizes public action in Africa.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Gold, Human security, Social, Researh, Knowlege production

The book "Women's Social Movements in Senegal", written by the late Dr. Ndèye Sokhna Guèye, explores the evolution of women's movements in Senegal. Despite their demographic weight, Senegalese women remain marginalized in key sectors of the economy, often less educated and confined to the informal sector. They are particularly vulnerable to economic and political crises. On the socio-political level, they suffer various forms of violence and are underrepresented in decision-making bodies. The book analyzes how women's social movements emerged to challenge these inequalities, drawing on case studies and academic references.

Politics, Political party, Gender, Justice, Education, Gold, Social, Women, Researh, Knowlege production, Marginalisation

The IFRI article (September 2022) examines the increasing fragility of African states, particularly in the Sahel, marked by hybrid governance where the state shares or even relinquishes its sovereign functions to non-state actors. This situation stems from the state's declining prominence in providing essential public services, such as education and security, now managed by private or community organizations. This involuntary delegation reflects a "de-administration" of peripheral and rural areas, indicating the state's inability to maintain authority across its entire territory. The article highlights the implications of this hybrid governance for development actors, especially those involved in state reconstruction, and calls for a thorough reflection on strategies to strengthen state presence and effectiveness in these regions.

Governance, Services publics

The article "The Democratic Backslide in West Africa" examines the regression of democratic processes in this region, once considered a model of democratization. It highlights the resurgence of military coups, notably in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which undermine political stability. Simultaneously, human rights violations are increasing, with heightened repression of dissenting voices, media censorship, and arbitrary detentions, eroding fundamental freedoms. The article sheds light on the formation of informal alliances among authoritarian leaders, fostering the perpetuation of anti-democratic practices. This situation echoes post-independence periods marked by chronic political instability. The author calls for a deep reflection on mechanisms for democratic consolidation to reverse this concerning trend.

Governance, Democracy, Human Rights, Coup d'État, Instabilité

The article "From Ndigël to Conciliation: Reconfiguring the Role of Religious Leaders in Senegalese Political Space" examines the evolving role of religious guides in Senegal, particularly during the 2000 and 2024 presidential elections. In 2000, despite voting directives (ndigël) from religious leaders, many voters chose independently, leading to the first democratic transition. In 2024, amid the controversial postponement of the presidential election by President Macky Sall, the reactions of religious leaders were closely observed. Historically influential, these guides have seen their role shift from issuing directives to acting as mediators in a tense political context. This transformation reflects a redefinition of their place in Senegal's political arena, where their involvement is now more focused on conciliation and mediation rather than directly influencing their followers' votes.

Politics, Governance, Election

The article “Democracy under the threat of security in Africa: the case of Burkina Faso” analyzes the impact of terrorist threats on Burkina Faso’s democratic achievements since 2015. It conceptualizes democracy by encompassing the protection of individual freedoms, the holding of free and fair elections, and checks and balances between state institutions. The study demonstrates that, although terrorist violence has weakened Burkinabe democracy, it is resilient. Far from putting an end to democratization, insecurity opens new perspectives for its revitalization. The article also emphasizes the importance of maintaining the functioning of public institutions and resisting restrictions on individual freedoms, even in times of security crisis.

Governance, Security, Democracy, Transition, Liberté

The infographic maps civil societies in the Sahel, distinguishing eight ecosystems (citizenship, development aid, charity, trade union, cultural, humanitarian, local associations, religious). It analyzes their varied dynamics according to the countries and proposes ways to adapt support for local development, by integrating socio-political contexts, social proximity and sustainability.

Politics, Political party, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Development, Gold, Social, Civil Society