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

This article by ENDA Santé highlights the worsening polycrisis scenario in the Sahel, combining armed conflict, chronic poverty, food insecurity, demographic pressure, and climate change. These intersecting challenges overwhelm health systems and constrain state capacity to ensure essential services, especially amid an anticipated dip in international funding . The piece advocates for a paradigm shift in development strategies: favoring holistic, integrated interventions, tapping local resources, strengthening community resilience, and embracing adaptive governance. ENDA Santé emphasizes the need to connect health, food security, climate action, and peacebuilding into a unified framework to effectively tackle the region’s complex challenges.

Governance, Security, Development, Health, Crisis, Inclusion

The food crisis in the Sahel, exacerbated by armed conflict, threatens more than 10.5 million people in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Mauritania. The lean season between harvests is particularly critical, as food stocks are at their lowest. Violence is forcing people to flee, leading them to cultivate their land, reducing agricultural production. For example, in the Liptako-Gourma region of Mali, 80% of arable land has been lost in more than 100 villages. In Burkina Faso, provinces such as Yatenga and Loroum have recorded yield losses of up to 90%. The ICRC is calling for development actors, governments and humanitarian organizations to work together to find innovative solutions to strengthen existing systems and help people end their dependence on humanitarian aid.

Conflict, Crisis management, Food security, Crise alimentaire

The IMF article titled "The Sahel's Intertwined Challenges" examines the multidimensional crises facing Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Since 2012, these nations have grappled with escalating insecurity due to the establishment of non-state armed groups, including terrorist organizations. This instability has led to military coups between 2020 and 2023, exacerbating political tensions and hindering economic and social development. School closures and mass displacements have particularly affected the youth, limiting their access to education and increasing their vulnerability to crime and terrorism. The article also highlights the enduring impact of French colonization on current institutional structures, contributing to the fragility of Sahelian states. Economic crises in the 1980s and 1990s further weakened these institutions, making countries dependent on international aid and impeding democratic consolidation

Governance, Development, Institution, Insécurité, Groupes armés non étatiques

The IRIS study, led by Caroline Roussy, examines the complexity of transboundary threats in the Sahel and West Africa, particularly the spread of terrorism in border areas between Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. It highlights that 80% of recorded violence in this region occurs within 100 kilometers of land borders. Borders, often seen as dividing lines, are actually zones of contact and interaction, facilitating the movement of armed groups and the spread of extremist ideologies. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding local dynamics and cross-border interactions to develop effective counter-terrorism strategies. It recommends an integrated approach that considers the socio-economic and cultural realities of border populations, and enhanced cooperation between the concerned states to secure these vulnerable areas.

Governance, Boundary, Security, Cooperation

This report examines perceptions of security in Mali's Mopti, Timbuktu, Gao, and Bandiagara regions as part of the Just Future program. National and local perceptions vary greatly, influenced by factors such as the presence of security actors, the withdrawal of MINUSMA, and socio-economic conditions. Security improvements are noted in regions like Timbuktu, attributed to military patrols and enhanced mobility. However, insecurity persists in other areas, driven by armed groups, forced displacements, and attacks. Perceptions of security forces are mixed: while their presence instills some confidence, their behavior is criticized. Economic concerns, characterized by increasing poverty and limited opportunities, remain a critical issue. Recommendations highlight the need for greater collaboration between security forces and civil society.

Governance, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Education, Gold, Human security, Opinion, Threat, Researh, Knowlege production

The article "Is the Sahel Crisis an Agrarian Crisis?" examines the underlying causes of instability in the Sahel region, characterized by a series of coups d'état and deteriorating diplomatic relations, notably with France. It emphasizes that in countries where the majority of the population is rural and dependent on agriculture, political and security crises are closely linked to agrarian issues. Challenges such as soil degradation, climate change, population growth, and land conflicts exacerbate social and economic tensions. These factors contribute to the emergence of violence and political instability. The article suggests that to understand and resolve the Sahel crisis, it is essential to address agrarian issues and support rural development.

Governance, Agriculture, Climate change, Food security, Insécurité