The Pastoral Surveillance Bulletin for Burkina Faso (December 2024 - January 2025) analyzes the agropastoral situation in seven regions of the country. It highlights generally sufficient but declining fodder availability, stable livestock prices, and falling grain prices due to export restrictions. However, terms of trade remain unfavorable for pastoralists. The report notes livestock movements to Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, driven by insecurity and the search for resources. Animal health is generally stable, although suspected disease outbreaks have been noted. The surveillance is based on data collected via 51 sentinel sites and satellite observations. Finally, bushfires, cattle thefts, and conflicts are still associated with mobility and access to resources.

State, Agriculture, Pastoralism, Boundary, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Food security, Human security, Soicial sciences, Marché

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, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production, Crisis, Institution

The report “Rethinking Disability in Senegal: Analysis of Norms and Discourses on Disability” by Dr. Annick Nganya Tchamwa and Pr Abdou Salam Fall analyzes the social representations of disability in Senegal through a qualitative study using Nvivo software. It highlights the social and cultural constructions that influence the perception of disability, often assimilated to mystical beliefs or transgressions of social norms. The study also explores forms of discrimination and stigmatization, particularly in religion, family, access to social services and employment. People with disabilities face many obstacles, including institutional exclusion and difficulties in social and marital integration. However, the article also highlights the resilience strategies put in place, such as self-acceptance and community participation.

Power, Inequality, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Family, Social, Discrimination, Disability

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, Health, Civil Society, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

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, Health, Civil Society, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production, Malnutrition

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, 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

On January 8, an attack by about twenty individuals near the Chadian presidency caused trouble in N’Djamena. The government quickly described the event as a simple attempt at destabilization with no connection to terrorism. The toll: 20 dead, including 18 attackers and 2 soldiers. At the same time, the withdrawal of French forces from Chad was completed on January 30 with the return of the Abéché and Adji Kosseï bases. President Mahamat Idriss Déby criticized Emmanuel Macron’s statements on African “ingratitude.” At the same time, Turkey is installing military drones on Chadian bases. On the political front, the ruling party, the MPS, won the legislative elections on December 29. Déby was appointed national president of the MPS, strengthening his control. The opponent Succès Masra surprised by expressing his openness to working with Déby, despite his party’s boycott of the elections.

Governance, Security, Military activity, Cooperation

The report "The Brotherhood of Traditional Dozo Hunters in Côte d'Ivoire: Socio-Cultural Issues and Security Dynamics" by Fahiraman Rodrigue Koné explores the role of the Dozo brotherhood in Côte d'Ivoire, highlighting its socio-cultural foundations, security influence, and political implications. Historically rooted in Mandinka culture, the Dozos have expanded their role beyond hunting to become security actors due to the weakening of the state since the 1990s. Their collaboration with Ivorian security authorities, although unofficial, is ambivalent, oscillating between protecting populations and accusations of abuse. The study also analyzes their impact on political and ethnic polarization in Côte d'Ivoire. Finally, the report highlights the tension between their traditional status and their intervention in the formal security system.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Education, Human security, Social, Civil Society