The article criticizes the insistence of international actors on the rapid holding of elections in Mali, which leads to a “fetishization” of democratic forms without addressing the country’s structural problems. After the 2021 coup, the Assises nationales de la refondation attempted to identify solutions to multiple crises, but external pressures on obscure efforts. ECOWAS, by imposing sanctions and focusing on an electoral calendar, ignores the essential reforms necessary for Malian governance. The article warns of the risk of a lasting authoritarian drift and calls for innovative and adapted solutions emanating from Malians.

Governance, Election, Coup d'État

In the March 2, 2023 article, Dr. Bakary Sambe, Regional Director of the Timbuktu Institute, examines how jihadist groups in the Sahel have transformed into networked community-based actors expanding into the Gulf of Guinea . AQMI and its katibas—Macina, Serma, Alidougou—now operate through decentralized, locally rooted structures while remaining coordinated by JNIM. They exploit local dynamics—family ties, pastoral tensions, weak state presence—to establish footholds in Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. Sambe warns against relying solely on military strategies and calls for a paradigm shift that recognizes the jihadists’ community entrenchment. He advocates a mixed approach combining security measures, regional cooperation, and local dialogue to counter extremist embedding and prevent its spread into coastal regions.

Security, Conflict, Jihad, Violence

The study explores transnational and security challenges in Kédougou, a border region between Guinea, Mali and Senegal, marked by socio-economic vulnerabilities, tensions related to gold mining and cross-border trafficking. Despite mineral wealth and cultural diversity, local populations suffer from marginalization, exacerbated by a lack of infrastructure and training. The survey highlights the importance of social cohesion and resilience to counter the risks of radicalization. It recommends integrated strategies including economic development, infrastructure strengthening and community dialogue to ensure peaceful and sustainable coexistence.

Boundary, Security, Conflict, Vulnerability, Social cohesion

The report “Dogmatism or Pragmatism? Violent Extremism and Gender in the Central Sahel” examines the influence of gender roles on the engagement of men and women in violent extremism in the Central Sahel. It highlights that violent extremist groups impose strict norms on women, seeking to control their behavior according to jihadist ideology. Contrary to the received idea of ​​women as passive victims, the report reveals that some actively support these groups, finding in the application of Sharia law and jihadist governance a resonance with their aspirations. Based on empirical data collected in late 2019 in the Liptako-Gourma region, the document offers an in-depth analysis of gender dynamics in the context of violent extremism in the Sahel.

Gender, Security, Jihad, Extremism, Women, Violence

A preliminary study conducted by the Timbuktu Institute, in partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, examines the role of women in preventing and combating violent extremism in Mali. Carried out in Bamako during November and December 2016, this research highlights that women are both major victims and potential key actors in this context. They suffer from abuses such as forced marriages, rapes, and abductions, while being at the forefront of detecting signs of radicalization within their families and communities. However, their involvement in conflict prevention and resolution processes remains limited. The study identifies socioeconomic factors (poverty, unemployment, illiteracy) and religious influences as drivers of radicalization. It recommends expanding research to other regions of Mali, strengthening the capacities of state and civil society actors, and increasing the involvement of religious leaders and women in promoting peace and combating violent extremism.

Peace, Conflict, Jihad, Extremism, Women, Violence

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 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

The article "The Central Sahel, Theater of New Climate Wars?" examines the impact of climate change on conflicts in this region. It highlights that climate variations disrupt agropastoral systems, exacerbating tensions between farmers and herders. These transformations lead to accumulated competition for increasingly scarce natural resources, intensifying local conflicts. The article highlights the example of central Mali, where these dynamics have led to an escalation of violence. To alleviate these tensions, it recommends better regulation of access to natural resources and an adaptation of agricultural practices to new climatic realities.

Climate change, Natural ressources, Conflict, Violence