The article titled “Defending the Village and Fighting for the Land: Armed Mobilization of Self-Defense Groups and Agricultural Labor in the Dogon Country, Central Mali” by Ibrahima Poudiougou, published in 2024 in the Revue internationale des études du développement, examines how armed self-defense groups affect rural communities in central Mali. Focusing on the June 8, 2022 attack on Makou village—where 350 jihadists displaced 422 households—the author explores how the rise of militias like Dan Nan Ambassagou has normalized violence and reshaped local sociopolitical dynamics. The article highlights the dual identity of these fighters, who are both peasants and combatants, managing agricultural work alongside armed resistance. It also delves into kinship-based solidarities and local agreements, which structure resistance and power relations in the Dogon region. The study offers insights into the complex intersection of security, rural livelihoods, and community resilience in conflict settings.

Governance, Agriculture, Security, Violence, Groupes armés non étatiques, Selfdefense

The article titled “Forging Identity at Gunpoint: Violence and the Land Question in Mali” by Ibrahima Poudiougou and Giovanni Zanoletti, published in 2020 in the Revue internationale des études du développement, examines how violence has become a tool of public policy in Mali, especially in land-related conflicts. The authors focus on the deadly clash between the villages of Mougna and Kossouma on June 25, 2016, which resulted in about twenty deaths and forty injuries. Although jihadists were not directly involved, the event illustrates the increasing militarization of land disputes since the 2012 rebellion. The article explores how ethnic and religious narratives—especially references to “jihadism”—are used to frame these disputes. Ultimately, the study reveals how rural institutions and state authority are being challenged through violent reconfigurations of identity and power.

Pastoralism, Conflict, REAL ESTATE, Political identity

The article "Responding to the Rise of Violent Extremism in the Sahel", authored by Pauline Le Roux and published by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies on January 14, 2020, examines the escalation of violent extremism in the Sahel, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. It highlights the strategies of militant Islamist groups, notably the Macina Liberation Front (FLM) and Ansaroul Islam, which exploit feelings of marginalization among certain communities, especially young Fulani herders, to recruit members. These groups leverage charismatic leaders and structured ideologies to attract followers. The article also underscores the challenges faced by local security forces, including resource constraints and allegations of human rights abuses, which further erode trust among local populations. To counter this growing threat, the article recommends an integrated approach combining enhanced security measures with inclusive development initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of violent extremism.

Security, Extremism, Violence, Marginalisation, Recruitment

The article published by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies on September 12, 2023, explores the worsening security crisis in Burkina Faso following the 2022 military coups. Islamist militant groups, including Katibat Hanifa and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara, have escalated attacks, surrounding Ouagadougou and controlling nearly half the national territory. This violence has led to a 165% increase in civilian deaths over 18 months, the displacement of over 2.1 million people, and the closure of 6,134 schools, affecting more than a million students. Approximately 800,000 people across over two dozen towns are besieged by these armed groups. The instability has spilled into neighboring regions in Mali, Niger, Ghana, Togo, and Benin, posing a major threat to regional security.

Jihad, Insécurité, Crise humanitaire

Daniel Eizenga’s article identifies five major zones of violence involving Islamist militant groups in the Sahel. These areas have become epicenters of chronic insecurity, seriously affecting civilians and weakening state institutions. The key zones include the Liptako-Gourma tri-border area (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger), Northwestern Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin, Niger’s Tillabéri region, and Northern Benin. In each of these locations, jihadist groups exploit state fragility, community conflicts, and local grievances to entrench themselves. The article outlines how these groups have shifted tactics—moving from mobile insurgencies to localized governance and territorial control. Eizenga stresses that sustainable responses must combine security efforts with governance reforms, community dialogue, and inclusive development to effectively counter this growing threat.

Governance, Jihad, Violence, Insécurité

The article "Strengthening Sahelian Counterinsurgency Strategy", authored by Michael Shurkin and published by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies on August 8, 2022, examines the surge in militant Islamist violence in the Sahel, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. It highlights the inadequacy of current strategies against local insurgencies employing irregular tactics. The author advocates for a population-centric counterinsurgency approach, involving the restructuring of armed forces into lighter, more mobile, and integrated units, supported by enhanced logistical and aerial capabilities. Building positive relationships with local communities is deemed essential to diminish support for insurgents. The article also recommends complementing military actions with initiatives aimed at improving living conditions, justice, and the rule of law.

Security, Jihad, Violence

This study, conducted in Mali, Niger, and Togo, analyzes the sociocultural, economic, and legal determinants of child marriage (CM) and proposes empowering girls as a strategy to combat it. Despite national laws, traditional and religious norms, particularly Islam, favor the continuation of this practice. Child marriage is often perceived as a protection mechanism against out-of-wedlock pregnancies, a religious obligation, or an economic survival strategy. The low educational attainment of girls and poverty exacerbate the phenomenon. The research mobilized a multidisciplinary and mixed-methods approach, involving qualitative and quantitative surveys. The authors recommend greater involvement of community actors and a change in social norms. Empowering girls through education and economic skills is essential to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty and domination.

Gender, Natural ressources, Political Violence, Education, Family, Threat, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

The article titled "Nous ne sommes peut-être pas instruites mais nous avons beaucoup d’abnégation et savons qui nous sommes, avec beaucoup d’expérience sur le terrain politique" features the testimony of Adja Absa Laye Souaré, a fish seller and municipal councilor in Thiès, Senegal. Active in politics since 1986, she has successively been involved with the Socialist Party, the Senegalese Democratic Party, and later Rewmi. She emphasizes that, although some women lack formal education, they possess significant determination and political experience. Adja Absa Laye Souaré highlights the importance of active female participation in decision-making bodies and denounces their instrumentalization in politics. She calls for increased support to strengthen women's capacities and promote their access to leadership positions, considering their close ties with local populations as a major asset for local development.

Gender, Development, Women, Political participation, Inclusion

This study examines the labor market inclusion of young Nigeriens (18-35 years old), focusing on gender and poverty dynamics. It reveals that largely underemployed youth rely heavily on informal self-employment, with limited income security and restricted access to productive assets. The high cost of education significantly hinders labor market integration, particularly for the poorest. Migration is perceived as an opportunity, but it is often too costly and risky. Young women, particularly vulnerable, are increasingly entering the labor market to support their families, despite rigid gender norms. Changing social norms, community initiatives (such as tontines and support groups), and NGO support are key factors in youth inclusion. The report emphasizes the importance of accessible and relevant training and highlights how Niger's sociopolitical context shapes poverty trajectories and youth labor market participation.

Politics, Political party, Inequality, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Poverty, EMPLOYMENT