Other documents that may interest you :

• International agencies report / Governance, Security and human rights,

  Geography of Violence in North and West Africa — Border Areas 20/05/2025

  Summary :

  Since 2011, North and West Africa have experienced escalating violence, averaging 3,300 violent events and 12,600 deaths annually between 2015 and 201...

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  Country : Burkina Faso , Mali , Niger , Nigeria , Algeria , Libya

  Organizations : Sahel and West Africa Club (SWAC/OECD)
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International agencies report / Governance, Security and human rights,
Geography of Violence in North and West Africa — Border Areas 20/05/2025
Summary :
Since 2011, North and West Africa have experienced escalating violence, averaging 3,300 violent events and 12,600 deaths annually between 2015 and 2019. This trend worsened in 2020-2021, with 6,800 events and 18,000 deaths per year. The epicenter of violence has shifted to Nigeria and the border area between Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Civilian-targeted violence has surged by 500% in West Africa since 2016, due to the proliferation of actors such as extremist groups, community militias, and self-defense forces. In 2021, 60% of victims were located within 100 km of a border. The Spatial Conflict Dynamics indicator (SCDi), developed by SWAC/OECD, maps conflict evolution and identifies critical areas, notably Lake Chad, the tri-border region, and Nigeria.
Keywords :
Governance, Boundary, Security, Conflict, Extremism, Violence
Organizations :
Sahel and West Africa Club (SWAC/OECD)
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• Academic analysis and Think Tank / Governance, Security and human rights,

  Tinzawatene: A New Fault Line Between Mali and Algeria 28/04/2025

  Summary :

  The article analyzes the escalating tensions between Mali and Algeria, highlighted by the March 31, 2025 incident where a Malian drone was shot down b...

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  Country : Mali , Algeria

  Organizations : WATHI
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Academic analysis and Think Tank / Governance, Security and human rights,
Tinzawatene: A New Fault Line Between Mali and Algeria 28/04/2025
Summary :
The article analyzes the escalating tensions between Mali and Algeria, highlighted by the March 31, 2025 incident where a Malian drone was shot down by the Algerian army in Tinzawatene. This border area, historically sensitive, has become a focal point of strategic rivalries, especially following the withdrawal of MINUSMA and Mali's recapture of Kidal. Mali has reclassified former rebel groups, once partners in the Algiers Accord, as terrorist organizations, signaling a break in the peace process. Algeria, mediator of the accord, views these actions as a marginalization of its role and a threat to its security, particularly as Russia expands its influence in Mali. Tinzawatene thus symbolizes a new diplomatic and security fracture, challenging regional balances and cross-border cooperation.
Keywords :
Governance, Boundary, Security, Crisis management, Diplomacy, International cooperation
Organizations :
WATHI
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• Journal article / Governance,

  State Borders, Mobile Borders, and Border Rents in the Saharo-Sahelian Space 17/01/2025

  Summary :

  This article analyzes the historical, political, and economic evolution of borders in the Saharo-Sahelian region, shaped by colonization, Tuareg rebel...

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  Country : Burkina Faso , Chad , Mali , Mauritania , Niger , Algeria , Libya , Morocco

  Organizations : Revue l'Information géographique
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Journal article / Governance,
State Borders, Mobile Borders, and Border Rents in the Saharo-Sahelian Space 17/01/2025
Summary :
This article analyzes the historical, political, and economic evolution of borders in the Saharo-Sahelian region, shaped by colonization, Tuareg rebellions, border disputes, and illegal flows. Borders, often arbitrary and poorly controlled, have become sites of rents for local and international actors. In pre-colonial times, this region was a transit area without barriers. Colonization imposed rigid borders, disrupting local dynamics. Today, trafficking (drugs, weapons, migrants) thrives, making borders porous and uncontrollable. Jihadist movements also redefine borders through their advances and retreats. The author emphasizes that Saharo-Sahelian borders remain economic, political, and geostrategic tools while symbolizing regional instability.
Keywords :
Politics, Political party, State, Boundary, Natural ressources, Jihad, Terrorism, Education, Gold, Illegal activity
Organizations :
Revue l'Information géographique
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• International agencies report / Security and human rights,

  Conflict in the Penta-Border Area: The Jihad in Northern Benin as Seen by Its Neighbours 16/04/2025

  Summary :

  Since December 2021, Northern Benin has experienced escalating violence linked to violent extremist groups (VEOs), notably Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal M...

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  Country : Burkina Faso , Niger , Nigeria , Benin , Togo

  Organizations : Netherlands Institute of International Relations ‘Clingendael
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International agencies report / Security and human rights,
Conflict in the Penta-Border Area: The Jihad in Northern Benin as Seen by Its Neighbours 16/04/2025
Summary :
Since December 2021, Northern Benin has experienced escalating violence linked to violent extremist groups (VEOs), notably Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS). Initially confined to national parks, the violence has spread to populated areas. The report emphasizes that these threats primarily originate from neighboring countries—Burkina Faso, Niger, Togo, and Nigeria—rather than internal Beninese tensions. VEOs utilize Benin as a strategic buffer zone to evade regional military pressure and expand their influence. The report recommends enhanced regional coordination and cross-border programs to effectively address this threat.
Keywords :
Boundary, Security, Extremism, Violence, Groupes armés
Organizations :
Netherlands Institute of International Relations ‘Clingendael
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