The article “After the Sahelian failure, rethinking the software of French policy in Africa” by Alain Antil and Thierry Vircoulon, published on April 10, 2024 by the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri), analyzes the failure of French strategy in the Sahel and its broader repercussions on Paris' African policy. After the breakdown of relations with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, France saw its influence collapse in the face of the rise of anti-French sentiment and the emergence of new partners such as Russia and China. The article identifies several contradictions in French policy: paternalism, the disconnection between analysis and political action, and the contradiction between migration policy and African diplomacy. It proposes a strategic repositioning, based on a realistic assessment of French interests in Africa, abandoning outdated approaches and integrating the new geopolitical realities of the continent.

Politics, Political party, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Jihad, Gold, Human security, Threat

It analyzes the sudden emergence of artisanal gold panning in northern Niger in 2014, following the discovery of gold deposits in the Djado valley, in Tchibarakaten and in the Aïr massif. These discoveries led to a gold rush involving many Nigerians and foreigners seeking their fortune. The article describes the main gold panning sites and their actors, examines the interactions between the state, traders and gold miners, and assesses the political, religious, economic, social and environmental consequences of this activity in the Agadez region. The authors emphasize that, although gold panning has brought unexpected economic activity in a difficult economic situation, it also generates effects largely uncontrolled by the government, particularly in terms of regulation and environmental impact.

Governance, Environment, Natural ressources, Gold

The article titled "Links between Violent Extremism and Illicit Activities in Côte d'Ivoire," published by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in September 2023, examines the interactions between violent extremist groups and illicit activities in northern Côte d'Ivoire. Since 2016, the country has faced increasing threats from these groups, notably after the Grand-Bassam attack in March 2016 and the Kafolo attack in June 2020. These groups have infiltrated sectors such as the on-foot livestock economy and illegal gold panning to finance their operations, recruit personnel, and ensure their subsistence. The report emphasizes the importance of understanding these links to develop effective strategies aimed at depriving these groups of essential resources and strengthening regional cooperation with neighboring countries, including Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Mali.

Extremism, Gold, Violence, Illegal activity, Coopération régionale

The article "False Choices: U.S. Policy toward Coastal West Africa and the Sahel", written by Judd Devermont and published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on June 24, 2021, examines U.S. policy in coastal West Africa and the Sahel. It emphasizes that the United States has enduring interests in both subregions, with a renewed commitment to countering violent extremism, checking authoritarianism, and challenging malign Chinese and Russian activities and influence. Since the 2000s, especially after the 2012 coup in Mali, the U.S. has increased its security, development, and humanitarian engagement in the Sahel. However, worrying security trends in coastal West Africa are prompting a strategic recalibration. The article suggests that the U.S. should adopt an integrated approach, recognizing the interdependence between the Sahel and coastal West Africa, by implementing policies that simultaneously address democratic backsliding, drivers of violent extremism, and malign Chinese and Russian influences.

Governance, Security, Extremism, Violence

The article entitled “Arab-Islamic education for women: a diversity of offers and family strategies in Senegal”, written by Mame Fatou Séne and published in the journal Autrepart in 2018, analyzes the evolution of education Arab-Islamic for girls in Senegal. Since the 2000s, this form of education has experienced notable growth, with a proliferation of schools and a diversification of educational offerings. Senegalese families adopt various strategies to integrate their daughters into these institutions, seeking to reconcile religious education and socio-economic aspirations. The study highlights the motivations of families, the educational paths of girls and the challenges they face, particularly in terms of persistent gender inequalities. It also highlights the importance of understanding these dynamics to develop inclusive educational policies adapted to the needs of girls.

Inequality, Gender, Religious education, Education, Family

The article entitled “Mali-Niger: climate change and conflicts form an explosive cocktail in the Sahel”, published by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 2019, analyzes the interaction between climate change and intercommunity conflicts in Mali and Niger. Global warming is exacerbating historic tensions between herders and farmers, particularly arable land and making water resources more unpredictable. This situation worsens poverty, weakens public services and disrupts traditional livelihoods. Local populations, already facing underdevelopment, crime and violence, are pushed into difficult choices, such as migration or joining armed groups, to meet their needs. The ICRC highlights the need for a radically different approach to tackling these complex challenges in the Sahel.

Migration, Climate change, Natural ressources, Conflict, Poverty

The article entitled "Nigeria: The climate crisis fuels conflicts and terrorism", written by Raphaël D. and published on the Mr Mondialisation website in January 2021, analyzes the impact of climate change on security in Nigeria. The country is experiencing increasing desertification, particularly in the north, involving arable land and pastures. This situation pushes nomadic herders to migrate south, leading to conflicts with local sedentary farmers. These tensions have reached a critical level of violence, causing as many casualties as the terrorist group Boko Haram. Climate disruption thus favors the development of terrorist groups, who take advantage of the instability to carry out deadly raids and pillaging, financing part of their operations through the sale of stolen livestock. Government measures, such as the National Livestock Transformation Plan, are taken into account for their inadequacy to the needs of breeders, exacerbating existing tensions.

Agriculture, Livestock, Climate change, Security, Conflict, Terrorism

The article explores the growing place of girls in Arab-Islamic education in Senegal and its impact on gender relations. Historically, this education system was dominated by boys, but since the 1990s, private and public initiatives have allowed for greater female inclusion. Arab-Islamic education is seen as a tool for social moralization and protection against negative influences. However, it also conveys rigid gender norms, with an emphasis on the training of girls as future wives and mothers. Despite these constraints, young girls invest in this educational space to achieve skills, strengthen their autonomy and sometimes even compete with men in religious and educational roles. Education thus becomes a space for negotiation between tradition and modernity, between control and female emancipation.

Politics, Political party, Power, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Religious education, Education, Family, Gold, Social

In the interview titled "Governments should start to realise that, in this part of the world, Africa, education is the most important area in which we can invest to develop any country...", published on November 12, 2024 on WATHI, Madun N. Marong, an Education Officer at the Gambia Ministry of Education, emphasizes the crucial importance of education in Africa. He outlines the teacher training programs in The Gambia, including the Diploma for primary school teachers and the Advanced Diploma for higher levels, both offered by the Gambia College, as well as the degree program provided by the University of The Gambia. Marong insists that African governments should allocate at least 20% of their budget to education, in line with United Nations recommendations, to ensure national development. He also highlights the need to recognize teachers as essential professionals and to provide them with adequate training to improve the quality of education.

Politics, Education, Politique publique