The August–September 2025 Multisectoral Monitoring Bulletin by Action Against Hunger – Mali Mission presents an overview of the humanitarian, agricultural, and health situation in Timbuktu and Taoudéni regions. Pasture and hydrological conditions have improved, but agricultural performance remains uneven: Timbuktu almost met its targets, while Taoudéni lagged behind due to low rainfall. Livestock epidemics are under control, yet malnutrition and malaria cases have increased. Over 20,000 animals were vaccinated, and health centers recorded 7,064 cases of acute malnutrition in Timbuktu and 1,006 in Taoudéni. The Niger River’s rising water level disrupted fishing activities. Security conditions remain volatile, with armed group pressure and internal displacements persisting. The report urges stronger measures in security, health, agriculture, and resilience building to support affected populations.

Culture, State, Agriculture, Economic Development, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Family, Gold, Human security, Malnutrition, water

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

The article highlights the growing strategic importance of space collaboration in Africa. Satellites and space technologies already contribute significantly to security (border surveillance, tackling illegal fishing, disaster prevention), the economy (telecommunications, precision agriculture, urban planning), and social development (e-learning, telemedicine, bridging the digital divide). However, fragmented national initiatives limit overall efficiency. The author underscores the pivotal role of the African Space Agency (AfSA), inaugurated in April 2025, in harmonizing policies, pooling infrastructure, and strengthening continental and international cooperation. Partnerships with the European Union, China, Russia, and the United States are seen as capacity-building tools, but African ownership must remain central. Space is framed not as a luxury but as a strategic necessity for sovereignty, food security, and climate resilience. The article calls for coordinated investments, private-sector inclusion, and citizen engagement to make space a driver of African integration and sustainable development.

Politics, Political party, State, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Development, Gold, Human security

The article “A Growing Divergence of Narratives around Security in Burkina Faso” examines the communication strategy of the military junta led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré since the September 2022 coup. While the regime portrays itself as regaining territory, fostering economic innovation, and protecting civilians, evidence points to a worsening reality: nearly 18,000 deaths linked to jihadist violence in three years, an 87% rise in civilian casualties, and loss of control over 70% of national territory. The economy has suffered from collapsing gold and cotton production and a sharp decline in foreign investment. The humanitarian crisis is escalating, with millions displaced, thousands of schools and health centers shut down, and multiple simultaneous epidemics. The article highlights the growing gap between official narratives and empirical realities, amplified by disinformation campaigns orchestrated with Russian support. This divergence poses serious challenges for governance, regional stability, and democratic principles.

Natural ressources, Security, Political Violence, Education, Gold, Human security, Influence, Violence, Threat, Information

The article “Japan Innovates to Deepen Its Relations with Africa” by Paul Nantulya examines the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), held in August 2025 in Yokohama. Japan reaffirmed its distinctive approach, based on co-creation, joint ownership, and blended public-private financing, standing apart from traditional aid models. The conference brought together leaders from 42 African countries along with over 500 stakeholders from business, academia, and civil society. Japan’s engagement revolves around three pillars: economy (value chains, added-value exports, regional integration), society (health, education, youth and women inclusion), and peace and stability (support for APSA, peace operations, counter-terrorism, and transnational crime). Concrete initiatives include training 300,000 young Africans, developing trade corridors (Nacala, Mombasa, Kinshasa), and industrial investment in critical minerals. The article stresses Japan’s enduring credibility in Africa, derived from its collaborative, cautious, and innovation-driven approach to partnership.

Politics, Political party, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Peace, Education, Development, Gold, Human security

The Pastoral Surveillance Bulletin for Senegal (No. 41, June–July 2025) highlights late and irregular rains, causing a severe pastoral lean season in the north (Louga, Saint-Louis, Matam). Transhumance flows were intense, with herds moving southward (Kaolack, Kaffrine, Tambacounda) and across borders with Mauritania and Mali. While forage and water resources were more favorable in Casamance and eastern Senegal, overgrazing and pressure on water points increased health risks and tensions. Livestock prices, especially for male cattle (+12%), rose sharply, improving terms of trade for pastoralists but undermining non-herding households’ purchasing power. The bulletin also reports animal diseases, frequent cattle thefts (Louga, Kaffrine, Tambacounda), and localized farmer–herder conflicts. Recommendations emphasize strengthening pastoral infrastructure, ensuring coordinated management of transhumance corridors, reinforcing animal health surveillance, and providing targeted support to vulnerable households.

State, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Education, Food security, Gold, Poverty, Human security, Vulnerability, Transhumance

The Pastoral Surveillance Bulletin on Niger (No. 64, June–July 2025), published by Action Against Hunger (ACF), highlights improved pastoral conditions due to above-average rainfall, which boosted pasture regeneration and water availability. Overall, fodder resources are considered medium to sufficient, and livestock body condition is mostly fair, with some improvement noted. Nevertheless, localized biomass deficits, water shortages in specific areas, increased livestock theft, and community conflicts over resources remain challenges. Market analysis shows declining livestock prices, slight increases in cereal prices, and unfavorable terms of trade for herders. The report concludes with recommendations to strengthen vaccination campaigns, promote peaceful transhumance, ensure availability of fodder and cereals, and enhance risk preparedness in pastoral areas. It stresses the importance of continued support from state institutions, civil society, and humanitarian actors to secure pastoral livelihoods.

State, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Human security, Knowlege production, Information, Marché