This study by Evans Yeboah and Václav Adamec, published in the Journal of Social and Economic Development (Springer Nature, June 9 2025), examines the effects of investment and trade on economic performance across twelve ECOWAS member states from 1993 to 2022. Using PMG-ARDL and NARDL estimation techniques, the paper finds that gross capital formation and trade openness positively influence long-run GDP per capita growth, whereas population growth, labor participation, unemployment, merchandise trade, and FDI exert negative effects. External debt is statistically insignificant in the long term. In the short term, increases in FDI and merchandise trade enhance income growth. Nonlinear estimations show that both increases and decreases in FDI dampen growth, while trade expansion boosts economic performance. The authors recommend promoting trade liberalization, improving FDI quality, ensuring sustainable debt management, and implementing labor-market reforms and export diversification strategies.

Governance, Economic Development, Trade, Economic growth

This paper conducts a sub-national scale examination of the links between water scarcity and violent conflicts across the central Sahel and Lake Chad Basin (2000-2021). Employing the water footprint concept and the Falkenmark index, the authors develop five monthly water-scarcity metrics (runoff, soil moisture, potential evapotranspiration, water consumption, demographics). The findings reveal high levels of water scarcity — especially green water scarcity (soil moisture deficit) and low Falkenmark index values (population-driven water stress) — during the dry, pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons at all locations with recorded conflicts. This indicates an indirect relationship between green water scarcity, water-stress indices and violent conflicts. The study suggests that its methodology and results could help improve water-resources management and conflict-prevention efforts in the region and beyond.

Governance, Security, Conflict, water

The article “The Current Status of Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea” by Lamir Ado Mohammed and Dimitrios Dalaklis (World Maritime University) examines the current state of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, focusing on Nigerian waters. Using a quantitative approach based on data from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), the study finds a significant decline in piracy and sea crimes. This progress is attributed to coordinated efforts among NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, and G7++ Friends of the Gulf of Guinea (FoGG) navies. The SPOMO Act has further deterred offenders. However, piracy appears to be shifting to other areas within the Gulf. The authors emphasize the need for an integrated approach including coastal community development, Blue Economy promotion, improved surveillance, and anti-corruption measures.

Bribery, Governance, Security, Piracy

The article examines the wave of democratic backsliding in West Africa, highlighting main drivers : increased military influence in politics, electoral manipulation, constitutional changes benefiting incumbents, and lack of economic dividends for citizens. To counter this trend, the author suggests (1) addressing causes of military intervention particularly poor socio-economic conditions, (2) building trust in institutions such as the judiciary, media and electoral bodies, and (3) enhancing the role of civil society. Overall, the argument is that only through stronger governance institutions and better socio-economic outcomes for citizens can the trend of democratic decline be reversed.

Governance, Democracy, Institution

This article analyzes ECOWAS’s response to the 2021 coup d’état in Guinea through the lens of the Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. The authors argue that ECOWAS’s reaction was undermined by internal contradictions and political inconsistency. While condemning coups, the organization remained silent on Alpha Condé’s constitutional manipulation, which allowed him to extend his rule unlawfully. This selective stance eroded ECOWAS’s credibility. The paper highlights the limited impact of sanctions, the shallow economic integration among member states, and the growing cooperation among military regimes in Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. It concludes that ECOWAS must strengthen its monitoring of electoral processes, enforce its democratic norms equally, and avoid double standards if it seeks to restore legitimacy and promote lasting democratic governance in West Africa.

Power, State, Governance, Economic Development, Justice, Conflict, Democracy, Development, Election, Threat

This podcast episode highlights the critical importance of keeping girls in school for the future of West African and African societies. While political and security issues often dominate the agenda, girls’ education remains a foundational element for social stability, cohesion, employment, and meaning for populations. With guest expert Aïcha Awa Ba, the discussion reveals major obstacles to girls’ schooling: early marriage, the perceived opportunity cost for parents, and social norms that prioritize future mother/spouse roles over education. Comparative data indicate that even when gross enrolment rates are similar between countries, gender parity can differ greatly—Senegal is cited as a case where strong public policies and civil society engagement have produced positive results. In conclusion, the episode calls for integrated girls’ education policies tailored to sociocultural contexts and ongoing community dialogue to shift perceptions: the future of societies depends on it.

Culture, Governance, Gender, Education, Women

The article Managing Election Violence and Sustaining Peace and Security in West Africa, authored by Professor Charles Ukeje and Dr. Wale Olusola, explores the persistent issue of electoral violence and its impact on peace and democratic consolidation in West Africa. Published in November 2023 by the Building Blocks for Peace Foundation (BBFORPEACE) and GPPAC West Africa, the paper argues that elections—meant to strengthen democracy—often fuel insecurity. It highlights both structural (poverty, unemployment, exclusion) and immediate (hate speech, manipulation, external influence) causes of electoral violence. The authors recommend returning to civilian rule, promoting peace education, reforming political parties, and enhancing collaboration among ECOWAS, civil society, and development partners. The report underscores that inclusive and peaceful elections are essential to sustaining regional stability and democratic governance.

Gender, Security, Peace, Justice, Conflict, Political Violence, Election, Human security, Violence, Threat

The 2025 Mid-Season Regional Biomass Bulletin by Action Against Hunger (ACF) provides an overview of agro-environmental conditions across the Sahel and West Africa. It reports that overall biomass production is average to good, except in specific zones of Mali, Niger, Chad, and northern Burkina Faso where vegetation remains below normal. Irregular rainfall and uneven temporal distribution have delayed the agricultural season in several pastoral regions, affecting pasture regeneration and water availability for livestock. The bulletin warns of potential rapid degradation of natural resources and emphasizes the need for continuous agro-pastoral monitoring through the end of the season to prevent food and livelihood crises.

Economic Development, Pastoralism, Natural ressources, Security, Development, Gold, Poverty, Human security, Vulnerability, Researh, Knowlege production

This article highlights the role of Professional Military Education (PME) institutions in fostering professional, apolitical African armies committed to constitutional defense and democratic governance. The urgency to strengthen PME has grown amid rising military politicization and a wave of coups since 2020 (Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Sudan). Africa hosts over 118 military schools, including War Colleges, Staff Colleges, and Military Academies across the continent. However, the mere existence of these institutions does not guarantee stronger professionalism: their impact depends on curriculum quality, democratic values integration, and robust civil-military relations. Surveys show young African officers hold strong ideals of public service, but these must be reinforced by tailored, context-sensitive training. The article stresses that not all countries require costly war colleges; regional cooperation can fill gaps. Strengthening PME is presented as a key step to professionalize African militaries and support democratic transitions.

Politics, Political party, Power, State, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Gold, Human security, Threat