The mission report of the Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), carried out from February 26 to March 3, 2023, aims to improve the care pathway for vulnerable patients at the Outpatient Treatment Center (CTA) in Nouakchott and to strengthen the skills of caregivers for monitoring specific populations. The objectives include the promotion of sexual health, screening and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as the prevention of cervical cancer and mother-to-child transmission of infections. The report highlights low overall health coverage in Mauritania, with only 60% of women giving birth in health facilities and vaccination coverage of around 60%. HIV prevalence is estimated at 0.29%, stable for ten years, except in Chami where an increase in the population has been observed. In gynecology/obstetrics, the National Hospital Center of Nouakchott (CHNN) has 50 beds and records 3,800 deliveries per year, with a cesarean rate of 37%, which is constantly increasing.

Governance, Public Administration, Health, Couverture sanitaire

In this op-ed published on March 15, 2023, Jean‑Pierre Olivier de Sardan questions the effectiveness of security strategies in the Sahel. Jihadism is spreading not only in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, but also into northern regions of coastal countries like Benin, Ghana, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire . Where state authority has collapsed, jihadist groups have imposed a “de facto government” based on extortion, propaganda, and terror. He notes that military responses, including Operation Barkhane, have failed to halts their expansion . Instead, he advocates for a comprehensive approach: strengthening public services, restoring a protective state, offering alternatives for jihadist defectors, engaging in negotiations with moderate insurgents, and supporting rural development and humanitarian aid. The core argument stresses the need for people‑centered security rather than a standalone military focus.

Governance, Security, Jihad, Services publics

The article “Burkina Faso: rethinking territorial administration and development planning (first part)” analyzes the country's social, political and security crises, attributed to ineffective governance and inadequate local development. He proposes a reform of territorial administration, suggesting regionalization inspired by the Kenyan model, where the regions would have increased autonomy and limited legislative powers under the control of the central state. This approach aims to strengthen the legitimacy of local governments, improve territorial governance and involve populations more in decision-making, while preserving national unity.

Governance, Public Administration, Local development, Réforme

Since 2014, the Tillabéri region in western Niger has been plagued by growing insecurity due to armed groups, crime, and community conflict. Until 2020, these groups primarily targeted local authorities and defense forces, while extorting civilians without resorting to physical violence. However, in 2021, they intensified their direct attacks on civilians, leading to a 52% increase in deaths related to this violence between 2020 and 2021, according to ACLED. Faced with the weak military presence, some communities have formed self-defense groups, such as the one in Banibangou. Although violence decreased in 2022, with 192 deaths recorded compared to 465 in 2021, instability persists. The military coup of July 26, 2023, which overthrew Mohamed Bazoum, could influence the security situation of civilians in the affected areas.

Governance, Conflict, Jihad, Violence, Insécurité, Groupes armés non étatiques

The National Strategy for Enrolling Students in High-Security-Risk Zones (SSEZDS) 2019–2024 aims to guarantee a safe and inclusive educational environment in conflict-affected areas of Burkina Faso. Led by the Ministry of National Education, Literacy, and National Languages, the strategy is grounded in INEE standards and the national constitution to ensure uninterrupted basic education. Facing significant demographic growth and frequent armed attacks, the approach is structured around three pillars: securing schools (fencing, guards, crisis management units), reopening schools in liberated regions, and strengthening the education system's resilience (training, survival kits, emergency plans). It involves coordination between state entities, local governments, NGOs, and teacher unions, using a robust M&E framework with performance indicators to assess progress through 2024.

Governance, Security, Education, Crisis

The article emphasizes the need to strengthen democratic institutions in West Africa to counter hyper-presidentialism, characterized by an excessive concentration of executive power. This centralization weakens the separation of powers, undermines accountability, and fosters authoritarianism and corruption. The author recalls Barack Obama's 2009 statement that Africa needs strong institutions rather than strongmen, highlighting that democratic systems, though imperfect, better guarantee citizens' fundamental rights. Therefore, it is crucial to build robust institutional structures that transcend individuals and political parties to preserve democracy and the rule of law.

Political Power, Bribery, Governance, Democracy, Institution

The article examines the importance of motorcycles in conflicts in the Sahel, where they serve as a crucial means of transport for local populations as well as armed groups. The report highlights the role of motorcycles in the rapid mobility of jihadist groups such as JNIM and the Islamic State in the Sahel, facilitating attacks and withdrawals. Theft, smuggling, and informal acquisition of motorcycles contribute to regional instability. It is recommended that regulations on their sale, importation, and traceability be strengthened to limit their use by non-state actors.

Governance, Security, Groupes armés non étatiques