The article examines an economic and agricultural trend in West Africa: reinvesting income from working in cocoa plantations in Côte d'Ivoire into sesame and cashew nut cultivation in Sahelian countries. These crops provide a more profitable alternative to staple crops like maize and cassava. Cashew trees aid reforestation and soil fertility, while sesame, drought-resistant, fits well into local agricultural cycles. The rise of these crops improves farmers' economic conditions, promoting education and reducing rural exodus. However, labor migration to Côte d'Ivoire for cocoa farming, including child labor, remains a critical issue.

Culture, Agriculture, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Education, Development, Family, Gold, Illegal activity, EMPLOYMENT

The article Anatomy of “anti-French sentiment”, produced by Caroline Roussy and published by IRIS in March 2024, explores the origin and manifestations of the rejection of France in West Africa and the Sahel. He encountered popular movements contesting the French presence, notably through symbolic acts and violent demonstrations. The text analyzes the involvement of activist figures like Kémi Séba and the influence of foreign powers like Russia. He underlines the absence of scientific methodology to measure this feeling and the role of African political elites who exploit this rejection. The article insists on the fact that this rejection is part of a historical dynamic linked to colonization, Françafrique and persistent economic imbalances.

Politics, Political party, Power, State, Sovereignty, Natural ressources, Jihad, Gold, Threat, Civil Society

In December 2023, Chad adopted an amnesty law covering all offenses committed during the events of October 20, 2022, where at least 128 people lost their lives. ACAT-France criticizes this legislation, believing that it promotes impunity and goes against the government's commitments to human rights and the rule of law. Chad's National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) also expressed concerns, highlighting the lack of provisions for reparation for victims and considering this an obstruction of justice. The CNDH calls on the government to put in place reparation mechanisms and transitional justice to ease tensions. The events of October 20, 2022 were marked by violent repression by security forces against demonstrators demanding a real political change, leading to serious violations of fundamental rights.

Governance, Human Rights, Impunity

This report analyzes protection challenges in contexts of prolonged crises and fragility in West Africa. It focuses on the link between humanitarian and development interventions, assessing approaches adopted by AFD and other donors. The study covers Sahel and Gulf of Guinea countries, facing growing instability. It identifies challenges related to the lack of a clear definition of protection, insufficient coordination among actors, and rigid contractual frameworks. The study recommends systematically integrating conflict analyses, adopting multisectoral protection, and implementing flexible mechanisms to adapt interventions to local realities. It also advocates for strengthening the capacities of local actors and enhancing synergy between humanitarian and development stakeholders.

Politics, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Justice, Conflict, Development, Gold, Social, Crisis, Protection

This report examines protection challenges in contexts of prolonged crises and fragile states in West Africa, focusing on the link between emergency and development interventions. The study primarily covers the Gulf of Guinea countries (Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin), affected by increasing instability from the Sahel. It explores how AFD and other donors can adapt their approaches to effectively prevent human rights violations. The analysis is based on a literature review and expert interviews. Key findings include the lack of a clear definition of protection, the need to enhance coordination between humanitarian and development actors, and the importance of contractual flexibility to sustain interventions in fragile areas. The study recommends strengthening contextual analysis and integrated multisectoral protection approaches.

Economic Development, Natural ressources, Justice, Conflict, Development, Gold, Social, Threat, Crisis, Protection

The article "From Oblivion to Recognition: 80 Years of Silence on the Thiaroye Massacre in Senegal" by Iris Sanner, published on January 17, 2025, by WATHI, discusses the belated acknowledgment of the Thiaroye massacre by Senegalese and French authorities. On December 1, 1944, Senegalese riflemen, returning from World War II, were killed by the French colonial army as they demanded payment of their wages. For decades, the official French narrative described it as the suppression of an armed mutiny, while survivors and many intellectuals denounced it as a colonial massacre. Only after 80 years did both countries officially recognize these events as a massacre, a change influenced by the rise of sovereigntist and anti-French sentiments in West Africa. This development aligns with France's recent memorial policies under President Emmanuel Macron, including the restitution of looted cultural artifacts and the establishment of historical commissions on sensitive colonial-related topics.

Governance, Memory policies

This report explores the impact of growing Internet use in the Sahel region, notably Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. The rise of social media users has exacerbated existing tensions and conflicts, with phenomena such as disinformation, radicalization and polarization. Despite this, digital access also offers opportunities to strengthen transparency and cohesion, and to prevent conflicts. Recommendations for a more inclusive and safe use of these digital spaces are proposed.

Governance, Social cohesion, Numérique, Radicalisation, Disinformation

The article discusses the increasing role of Malian civil society in the post-coup democratic transition. Despite challenges in governance and security, organizations like "Women and Development" help facilitate dialogue between the authorities and the people. These actors play a crucial role in fostering more inclusive and responsive governance, essential for democratic stability. Civil society thus becomes a vital pillar in the quest for a new social contract in Mali.

Governance, Security, Civil Society