The article “Lessons from the Covid-19 crisis on governance in West Africa”, published by the Think Tank WATHI, analyses the impact of the pandemic on the governance of West African countries. It highlights pre-existing flaws in governance systems and proposes avenues of action to strengthen the resilience of States to future crises. The study highlights the importance of more transparent, participatory and effective governance to ensure the protection of citizens in times of crisis. Key recommendations include: improving the decision-maker selection process, citizen participation in public policies, protecting fundamental rights, fighting corruption and investing in scientific research. The article stresses the need for States to invest more in public infrastructure, particularly in health services, to avoid future major crises.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Education, Gold, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production, Crisis, Institution

The article analyzes the adoption and adaptation of the CMAM Surge model in Niger. Introduced in 2014, this model aims to improve the health system's response to malnutrition cases. Although deployed in 434 health facilities, its application remains heterogeneous. The study identifies the major challenges of its implementation: lack of knowledge of the program by health workers, poor training, coordination problems with NGOs and lack of resources. The Surge approach, initially designed to manage malnutrition crises, encounters difficulties in sustainable integration. Some local reform actors are more successful in adapting it, by involving communities more and developing alternative strategies. The article offers a critical analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the model and explores ways to strengthen its appropriation and impact.

Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Gold, Health, Civil Society, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production, Malnutrition

The article “An Unequal Partnership? The Partnerships of International NGOs at the Local and National Levels” examines the relationships between international NGOs (INGOs) and national NGOs (NNGOs) in Côte d'Ivoire, focusing on the health sector, particularly cervical cancer prevention. The study highlights the tensions and asymmetries in these partnerships, which are often imposed by INGOs on local actors. While INGOs provide financial and technical support, NNGOs struggle with a lack of autonomy and recognition. The research also emphasizes the increasing bureaucratization of projects, the weak involvement of local partners in decision-making, and the impact of partnerships on local NGO governance. Despite mutual benefits, the authors conclude that these collaborations remain unbalanced and require adjustments to ensure more equitable and effective development.

Power, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Education, Gold, Health, Civil Society, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

The article "Jihadist insurrection and illicit economies around W Park (Benin)" by Aziz Mossi and N'koué Emmanuel Sambieni explores the rise of jihadism in northern Benin and its link with illicit economies. It highlights the social and economic factors that lead to this insecurity, including youth unemployment, the marginalization of pastoral communities and the precariousness of security services. Armed groups exploit these vulnerabilities to establish themselves and finance their activities through trafficking in livestock, gold, medicines and fuel. W Park serves as a strategic refuge, offering jihadists a fertile ground for training and clandestine trade. The authors also analyze the reaction of the Beninese authorities, marked by increasing militarization and attempts to control sensitive areas. The study highlights the need for an integrated approach, combining socio-economic development and strengthening security.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Human security, Social, Researh, Knowlege production

In the interview titled "The State Must Provide the Necessary Means for Research," Dr. Hamidou Lazoumar Ramatoulaye, an epidemiologist and researcher at the Center for Medical and Health Research (CERMES) in Niger, emphasizes the crucial importance of adequate research funding for national development. She highlights the essential role of research in improving health systems and promoting the well-being of populations. Dr. Ramatoulaye stresses the need for the state to invest more in research infrastructures, researcher training, and the creation of partnerships with international institutions. She also advocates for better valorization of research results so they can be practically applied in public policies and medical practices. According to her, without strong state commitment to supporting research, it would be challenging to address the health challenges facing Niger.

Governance, Health, Researh, Funding

The article "Security Crisis, Forced Mobility, and Survival and Resilience Strategies of Internally Displaced Women in Kaya Municipality, Burkina Faso" by Ousmane Diallo (Joseph KI ZERBO University of Ouagadougou) analyzes the impact of the humanitarian crisis in Burkina Faso on internally displaced women. Since 2019, growing insecurity has forced more than 1.85 million people to flee their homes. The study examines how internally displaced women in Kaya are adapting to this precarious situation by exploiting local economic opportunities. Using a qualitative and quantitative approach, it highlights the resilience strategies deployed: commercial activities, gold panning, material gathering, agricultural work, and vocational training. These women, often heads of households, face multiple challenges but develop initiatives to ensure the survival of their families despite insufficient humanitarian aid.

Gender, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Human security, Social, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

In this article, Dr. Adamou Lagaré highlights the importance of national funding for scientific research in Niger. He argues that having such funding will allow researchers to focus more on specific national priorities, rather than aligning with the agendas of international donors. Dr. Lagaré highlighted that external funding is often directed towards themes that do not always correspond to local needs. He therefore advocates for an increase in national investment in research, in order to strengthen the country's scientific autonomy and better respond to Niger's health and socio-economic challenges.

Researh, Knowlege production, Politique publique, Scientific autonomy

The article analyzes health systems in West Africa and proposes actions to improve their efficiency. He noted the progress made, although hampered by conflicts and health crises like Ebola. States are struggling to finance their health systems, leading to inequalities in access to care. WATHI recommends five areas of action: strengthening prevention, training and better distributing health professionals, improving sector financing, optimizing the daily management of health infrastructures and developing research and regional cooperation. Emphasis is placed on the need for citizen and political commitment for sustainable reforms, taking into account the limited resources of the countries concerned.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Education, Gold, Health, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

The article discusses the critical issue of youth unemployment in West Africa and suggests five key strategies to address it. It emphasizes integrating job creation into public policies through tax incentives and public procurement criteria. Agriculture and livestock farming are identified as essential sectors for massive job generation. Enhancing youth employability requires education reform and stronger partnerships with the private sector. The article also advocates for revising labor laws to create a more flexible and inclusive framework. Lastly, increased investment in employment data collection is needed to guide economic policies effectively.

Politics, Political party, Power, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Gold, Researh, Knowlege production, EMPLOYMENT