The World Bank’s June 2022 report on the G5 Sahel (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger) highlights that these economically fragile countries face challenges such as political instability, growing insecurity, uncontrolled urbanization, declining agricultural productivity, and a food crisis affecting millions of people. Climate change is exacerbating these vulnerabilities, increasing migration and social exclusion. However, the region has untapped assets, including a growing young population and renewable energy resources. Smart climate investments and strengthening policies and institutions could improve resilience to the impacts of climate change and avoid carbon-intensive growth. A stronger state presence is crucial to improve the quality of services, especially in the post-COVID context and in the face of supply chain disruptions due to the Russia-Ukraine crisis. A green and resilient Sahel requires accumulated commitment from states at all levels

Governance, Agriculture, Food security, Urbanisation, Crisis, Insécurité

Burkina Faso is facing a severe food crisis, exacerbated by violence perpetrated by armed groups that have displaced nearly one and a half million people, mainly women and children. This situation has led to widespread food insecurity, jeopardizing the health and survival of many families. Terre des hommes (Tdh) is responding by providing emergency aid while continuing its actions aimed at strengthening the resilience of affected populations. The organization is setting up health and nutrition programs for children and mothers, offering psychosocial support to victims of violence, and working to improve sanitation conditions and access to drinking water. Tdh is also working with local communities to develop sustainable solutions to this humanitarian crisis.

Governance, Agriculture, Pastoralism, Natural ressources, Food security, Women, Health, Violence

WATHI’s article highlights the growing risks of the Sahel becoming a proxy war theatre, where foreign powers clash to defend their strategic interests. In a context of multiple crises – insecurity, poverty and political instability – the region attracts international actors with divergent agendas, including Russia, China, the United States and the European Union. These interventions, often disguised as aid or partnerships, exacerbate local tensions and divisions between Sahelian countries. Geopolitical rivalries risk aggravating regional fragility and diverting attention from the real challenges: economic development, governance and sustainable security. The article calls for concerted action by Sahelian states to preserve their sovereignty and avoid the instrumentalization of their territories. It also advocates strengthened regional cooperation and balanced partnerships to build lasting peace and respond to human needs.

Sovereignty, Governance, Security, Conflict, Poverty, Crisis

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) paper published in June 2024 analyses the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government (UCGs) in West Africa since 2020, particularly in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Niger. It highlights that these successive coups reveal structural weaknesses and complex socio-political challenges specific to each country, requiring a specific approach rather than a uniform vision of a “contagion” of coups. The paper criticises ECOWAS’s response, deemed ineffective, and calls for a reassessment of strategies for managing military transitions. It also recommends that international partners engage constructively without legitimising coups and emphasises the strengthening of regional instruments to respond to violations of democratic governance by elected governments.

Governance, Democracy, Transition, Coup d'État

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

The article “EndSARS in Nigeria and its Lessons for Security Sector Reform in West Africa” analyzes the #EndSARS protest movement, initiated in 2017 on Twitter, which gained momentum in October 2020. This movement, mainly led by young people, denounces police violence perpetrated by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit created to fight serious crime but accused of serious abuses. The protests led to the announcement of the dissolution of SARS by the Nigerian government. The article highlights that this mobilization offers valuable lessons for security sector reform in West Africa, highlighting the importance of civic engagement and government accountability in protecting human rights.

Governance, Security, Public Administration, Military activity, Security Management, Threat, Illegal activity

The International Crisis Group's article "Cameroon: Confronting Boko Haram" analyses the impact of the Boko Haram insurgency in the Far North region of Cameroon. It highlights the vulnerability of this region due to weak socio-economic indicators and a limited state presence, facilitating the establishment of the terrorist group. Boko Haram has exploited these weaknesses to recruit locally and finance its activities through kidnappings, cattle rustling and illegal trade. The consequences are multiple: political destabilisation, increased insecurity, local economic collapse and social tensions. The article criticises the mainly security-based response of the Cameroonian government, deemed insufficient without a socio-economic development strategy. It recommends an integrated approach combining reinforced security, development initiatives and regional cooperation to eradicate the Boko Haram threat and sustainably stabilise the Far North of Cameroon.

Governance, Security, Jihad