The International Crisis Group’s article “Cameroon: Reexamining the ‘Special Status’ of the Anglophone Regions” analyses the ineffectiveness of the special status granted in 2019 to the Anglophone regions of the North-West and South-West of Cameroon in resolving the separatist crisis. This status, supposed to offer increased autonomy, was implemented unilaterally by the central government, without thorough consultation with local populations, leading to limited implementation and persistent control by Yaoundé. The article recommends reforming this special status by adopting an inclusive and consensual approach, involving local actors and civil society groups, in order to better respond to the aspirations of the Anglophone populations and foster sustainable peace.

Local Power, Governance, Security, Peace, Crisis management, Political Violence

The Crisis Group report (No. 267, 13 December 2018) examines how drug trafficking, especially cocaine and cannabis, intensifies violence in northern Mali. It outlines a “highly competitive” criminal landscape dominated by Tuareg armed groups and jihadists vying for control of illicit trade routes . The weakened Malian state struggles to assert authority, enabling shifting alliances among traffickers, local militias, and politico-military groups. The intertwining of narcotics trafficking and political stakes further destabilizes governance and fuels insecurity. The report recommends strengthening the rule of law, combating corruption, enhancing regional coordination, and launching economic development programs to provide alternatives for local communities.

Politics, Governance, Violence, Illegal activity, Trafic de drogue

The Crisis Group article “Mali: Security, Dialogue and Deep Reform” analyses the security and political situation in Mali, stressing the need for inclusive dialogue and structural reforms to stabilise the country. It highlights the importance of strengthening security, particularly in the northern and central regions, while promoting meaningful political and institutional reforms. The article also underlines the crucial role of the international community in supporting these efforts, particularly through peacekeeping missions and development initiatives. Finally, it calls for an integrated approach that combines security measures, inclusive political dialogue and deep reforms to address the complex challenges facing Mali.

Security, Dialogue, Réforme

The Crisis Group report (No. 304, 21 September 2021) examines Mali’s transition following the August 2020 and May 2021 coups. The ousting of President IBK sparked a powerful popular demand for change, but armed violence continues. The junta, led by Assimi Goïta, seeks to meet expectations through promised elections and creation of a National Transition Council, under pressure from ECOWAS and the international community. However, institutions remain weak, electoral timelines are repeatedly postponed, and military entrenchment was solidified by a 2023 constitutional referendum that may lock in power. Crisis Group urges adherence to transition timelines, credible elections, and inclusion of civil society to avoid authoritarian backsliding and fulfill citizens’ demands for genuine change.

Governance, Election, Crisis, Transition, Coup d'État

The International Crisis Group’s article “Reordering Sahel Stabilization Strategies” analyzes the limitations of current approaches to the growing insecurity in the Sahel region. It highlights that strategies focused on the security-development nexus, as well as state capacity building, are failing to stem the violence. The article calls for a revision of these strategies, with an emphasis on political dialogue, governance reform, and better coordination of military efforts with renewed political initiatives. It also calls for increased involvement of local actors and adaptation of interventions to the specific realities of each country concerned.

Politics, Dialogue, Réforme

The International Crisis Group’s “Containing the Jihadist Insurgency in West Africa’s W Park” examines the growing influence of jihadist groups in W Park, a cross-border nature reserve between Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These groups are exploiting local tensions over access to natural resources and intercommunal conflicts to strengthen their presence. The article emphasizes that purely military strategies are insufficient to counter this threat. It advocates an integrated approach combining security, socio-economic development, and dialogue with local communities to restore peace and protect the park’s biodiversity.

Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Jihad, Threat

The article “Preventing Jihadists from Penetrating Northern Côte d’Ivoire” analyzes the strategies put in place by the Ivorian government to counter the infiltration of jihadist groups from the Sahel. Faced with the growing threat, the authorities have adopted an approach combining security and socio-economic initiatives. On the security front, military reforms have been undertaken to strengthen the state’s presence in vulnerable areas. At the same time, economic and social development projects aim to improve the living conditions of local populations, thereby reducing the appeal of extremist discourses. The article also highlights the importance of religious tolerance and government surveillance to maintain stability in the north of the country.

Security, Jihad, Military activity, Violence

The Crisis Group article examines the expansion of jihadist groups from the Sahel to coastal countries in West Africa, notably Côte d’Ivoire, Benin and Togo. Taking advantage of security weaknesses and porous borders, these groups are extending their influence, threatening regional stability. The states concerned are struggling to coordinate an effective response to this growing threat. The article highlights the importance of strengthened regional cooperation and increased attention to local socio-economic factors to counter this jihadist advance.

Security, Jihad, Instabilité

The Crisis Group article examines the conditions needed to engage in dialogue with the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), a jihadist coalition in Mali. In the face of increasing violence and a military stalemate, dialogue is emerging as a viable option to reduce conflict. The article highlights the challenges to be overcome, including political and social resistance to negotiating with groups that are excluded as terrorists. It stresses the importance of establishing a pragmatic framework for discussions while involving local and international actors. Dialogue could help address local grievances, improve governance and restore lasting stability in Mali.

Peace, Conflict, Terrorism, Dialogue, Crisis