The article examines the complex situation in central Mali, where individuals posing as jihadists or traditional hunters (Dozos) exacerbate intercommunal tensions. Jihadists exploit the historical heritage of the Fulani to legitimize their presence, while non-Fulani militias disguise themselves as Dozos to justify actions against the Fulani. This dynamic increases polarization, trapping civilians between these armed groups. Stereotypes and amalgamations contribute to unjustified reprisals, fueling a cycle of violence that further undermines social cohesion and regional stability.

Conflict, Jihad

The article "Climate change and human migration in Senegal: an approach in terms of vulnerability of the socio-ecological system", produced by Alassane Diallo and published in the journal Régulation in 2019, examines the impact of climate change on internal migration in the Senegal. The study reveals that climate change, especially when it manifests itself gradually, is generally not a direct cause of human migrations. It interacts with various socio-economic, cultural, demographic, political-institutional and environmental contextual factors, thus exacerbating the initial vulnerability of populations and influencing migratory processes. The author suggests that public policies should address both development issues, by tackling poverty and inequalities, and issues linked to the climate economy, in particular the physical and climatic vulnerability of populations through mitigation and adaptation measures.

Governance, Climate change, Vulnerability

The article examines the communication challenges faced by Ghanaian health professionals when treating French-speaking refugees, particularly Ivorians who arrived in Ghana following the political crises of 2010-2011. These refugees are mainly housed in Ampain, Egyeikrom and Fetentaa camps. The language barrier between English-speaking medical staff and French-speaking patients compromises the quality of care. The authors recommend training in medical French for Ghanaian health staff, the development of an adapted bilingual curriculum and immersion internships in French-speaking countries, such as Côte d'Ivoire. They also propose the training of specialized medical interpreters to facilitate interactions when direct communication is difficult. These measures aim to improve patient-physician communication and ensure quality care for French-speaking refugees in Ghana.

Culture, Health, refugee

This working paper examines the initiative of the three Sahel Alliance countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) to exit the CFA franc zone and establish a common currency. Although politically motivated, this initiative presents major economic risks, including inflation, currency devaluation, and a shortage of foreign exchange reserves. It highlights the potential short-term gains in competitiveness from devaluation, but acknowledges that structural transformations are unlikely. The article also examines the limited economic impact on regional partners such as ECOWAS and UEMOA, the potential disruption of migrant remittances, financial relations, and the minor economic effect on France.

Politics, Political party, Power, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Development, Gold, Aid

This report, authored by Aurélie Campana and published in March 2018 by the Raoul-Dandurand Chair at the Université du Québec à Montréal, explores the resilience of jihadist groups in the Malian conflict since 2015. Despite international and national military efforts, these groups show remarkable adaptability through organizational fluidity and local embeddedness. The document delves into the dynamics of the Malian conflict, highlighting the interplay of local power struggles, intercommunal tensions, and the state's legitimacy crisis. While fragmented, jihadists leverage violence to sustain influence and recruitment, occasionally attempting to position themselves as governance alternatives. The report also examines the complexity of alliances among jihadist groups and raises the question of their potential inclusion in political processes.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Conflict, Jihad, Terrorism, Political Violence, Gold, Violence, Threat

The article entitled "Contemporary Gold Rush in the Sahara: Informal Gold Mining in Northern Niger", written by Abdoulkader Afane and Laurent Gagnol, analyzes the spectacular rise of informal gold mining in northern Niger since 2014, following the unexpected discovery of nuggets in this Saharan region. This gold rush has attracted tens of thousands of people, local and foreign, nomadic processors, rural and urban gold miners. Initially artisanal, mining has become increasingly mechanized, even industrial, while remaining largely informal and tolerated by the State. The authors identify three phases in this rush: the initial frantic race, stabilization around the veins and a trend towards the formalization of gold mining. They also highlight the social, economic, political, environmental and health issues associated with this phenomenon, comparing it to certain historical gold rushes, such as that of California in the mid-19th century.

Governance, Environment, Natural ressources, Gold

This report, titled "A Pandora's Box: Burkina Faso, Self-Defense Militias, and the VDP Law in the Fight Against Jihadism", authored by Antonin Tisseron and published by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) in 2021, examines the role of self-defense groups in Burkina Faso. It explores the rise of Koglweogo militias, Dozo hunters, and Da Nan Ambassagou, along with the establishment of Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP). While these groups address gaps in state security, they also present challenges such as escalating intercommunity violence and weakening the state’s monopoly on legitimate violence. The author stresses that the 2020 VDP law, although strategic, requires stronger implementation to prevent abuses and ensure lasting social cohesion.

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

This article addresses the challenges of Education in Emergency Situations (EiE) in the Sahel, a region plagued by security, climate, and economic crises. It offers five operational recommendations to enhance the educational response, including investments in coordination, data collection, decentralized education funding, and community mobilization. The study highlights the need for tailored educational alternatives and more effective financing mechanisms to address current shortcomings. The authors emphasize the importance of an inclusive and sustainable approach to ensure educational continuity in the face of chronic crises.

Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Development, Family, Gold, Vulnerability, Threat, Crisis

The study "Security and Judicial Cooperation in West Africa to Combat Jihadist Armed Groups" examines regional initiatives addressing the jihadist threat in West Africa. The author highlights the Accra Initiative, an intergovernmental mechanism focused on information sharing, security force training, and joint operations. Military cooperation between Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso, as well as challenges in judicial collaboration, are explored. The study emphasizes limited successes, institutional barriers, and the need for political momentum to enhance these efforts.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Jihad, Terrorism, Gold, Human security, Cooperation