The article "Digital Security in Niger" published in December 2021 by Agir Ensemble pour les Droits Humains (AEDH) examines the evolution of Niger's political, legal, and technological framework regarding digital matters. Since 2013, the country has organized forums on internet governance and established the National Agency for the Information Society (ANSI) in 2017, aiming to promote universal access to ICT. However, concerns have arisen about the repression of civil society, notably with the 2019-33 law on cybercrime, whose Article 31 penalizes the dissemination of data disturbing public order. This legislation has been used to target human rights defenders and journalists. Additionally, the 2020-19 law authorizes the interception of electronic communications, raising issues regarding privacy rights. Despite technological advancements, challenges remain in protecting digital rights and freedom of expression.

Security, Human Rights, Numérique, Cybercriminalité

The book "Women's Social Movements in Senegal", written by the late Dr. Ndèye Sokhna Guèye, explores the evolution of women's movements in Senegal. Despite their demographic weight, Senegalese women remain marginalized in key sectors of the economy, often less educated and confined to the informal sector. They are particularly vulnerable to economic and political crises. On the socio-political level, they suffer various forms of violence and are underrepresented in decision-making bodies. The book analyzes how women's social movements emerged to challenge these inequalities, drawing on case studies and academic references.

Politics, Political party, Gender, Justice, Education, Gold, Social, Women, Researh, Knowlege production, Marginalisation

The interview with Solange Marie Odile Mbaye Diouf, a health socio-anthropologist, discusses youth participation in promoting human rights in Senegal. She notes progress, including the establishment of structures dedicated to adolescents and increased youth involvement in decision-making processes. However, challenges remain, such as limited access to services and information, especially in rural areas, and sociocultural norms that hinder youth participation. Ms. Diouf recommends raising awareness about regional commissions and structures, encouraging youth to educate themselves on national and international texts and mechanisms, and ensuring effective implementation of laws by the state. She also calls for better organization of civil society to promote human rights.

Human Rights, Civil Society, Santé sexuelle

The IFRI article (September 2022) examines the increasing fragility of African states, particularly in the Sahel, marked by hybrid governance where the state shares or even relinquishes its sovereign functions to non-state actors. This situation stems from the state's declining prominence in providing essential public services, such as education and security, now managed by private or community organizations. This involuntary delegation reflects a "de-administration" of peripheral and rural areas, indicating the state's inability to maintain authority across its entire territory. The article highlights the implications of this hybrid governance for development actors, especially those involved in state reconstruction, and calls for a thorough reflection on strategies to strengthen state presence and effectiveness in these regions.

Governance, Services publics

The article “Pastoralism and Security in West Africa and the Sahel” examines the causes of pastoralism-related conflicts in six countries: Mauritania, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria. It highlights the importance of pastoralism in these nations, while noting that the scale and dynamics of conflicts vary across national contexts. State policies and local practices toward different elevations also differ. The study recommends raising awareness of land laws, encouraging land rotation between farmers and herders, increasing investment in the livestock and agriculture sectors, and protecting local vegetation. It emphasizes the need for sustainable and inclusive solutions, both at the national and regional levels, to resolve these conflicts.

Pastoralism, Security, Conflict

The article "Human Rights in Africa" features an interview with Alioune Tine, founder of Afrikajom Center, assessing the state of human rights on the continent. He highlights that the situation is particularly dire in conflict-affected countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where human rights violations are rampant and often committed with impunity, including by national and foreign military forces. Tine also criticizes the weakness of regional mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as the inefficacy of national institutions in countries like Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal, where fundamental freedoms are under threat. He calls for strengthening democratic institutions, respecting constitutions, and better involvement of civil society to promote and protect human rights in Africa.

Conflict, Human Rights, Impunity

The article "The Democratic Backslide in West Africa" examines the regression of democratic processes in this region, once considered a model of democratization. It highlights the resurgence of military coups, notably in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which undermine political stability. Simultaneously, human rights violations are increasing, with heightened repression of dissenting voices, media censorship, and arbitrary detentions, eroding fundamental freedoms. The article sheds light on the formation of informal alliances among authoritarian leaders, fostering the perpetuation of anti-democratic practices. This situation echoes post-independence periods marked by chronic political instability. The author calls for a deep reflection on mechanisms for democratic consolidation to reverse this concerning trend.

Governance, Democracy, Human Rights, Coup d'État, Instabilité

The article "From Ndigël to Conciliation: Reconfiguring the Role of Religious Leaders in Senegalese Political Space" examines the evolving role of religious guides in Senegal, particularly during the 2000 and 2024 presidential elections. In 2000, despite voting directives (ndigël) from religious leaders, many voters chose independently, leading to the first democratic transition. In 2024, amid the controversial postponement of the presidential election by President Macky Sall, the reactions of religious leaders were closely observed. Historically influential, these guides have seen their role shift from issuing directives to acting as mediators in a tense political context. This transformation reflects a redefinition of their place in Senegal's political arena, where their involvement is now more focused on conciliation and mediation rather than directly influencing their followers' votes.

Politics, Governance, Election

The article “Democracy under the threat of security in Africa: the case of Burkina Faso” analyzes the impact of terrorist threats on Burkina Faso’s democratic achievements since 2015. It conceptualizes democracy by encompassing the protection of individual freedoms, the holding of free and fair elections, and checks and balances between state institutions. The study demonstrates that, although terrorist violence has weakened Burkinabe democracy, it is resilient. Far from putting an end to democratization, insecurity opens new perspectives for its revitalization. The article also emphasizes the importance of maintaining the functioning of public institutions and resisting restrictions on individual freedoms, even in times of security crisis.

Governance, Security, Democracy, Transition, Liberté