Crisis Group’s article “Central Sahel: At the Eye of the Storm” analyses the multidimensional crisis in the Central Sahel, spanning Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. The region is facing a combination of armed conflict, political instability, humanitarian crises and environmental challenges. Violence by jihadist groups and inter-communal tensions have led to massive population displacement, exacerbating an already precarious humanitarian situation. Local governments, often fragile, are struggling to restore security and provide basic services, while international interventions have yet to provide sustainable solutions. The article highlights the urgent need for an integrated approach, combining security efforts, economic development and political dialogue, to sustainably stabilise the region.

Conflict, Jihad, Violence, Crisis, Insécurité

The World Bank article, published in February 2021, highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the most severe recession in the Sahel since independence, plunging an additional 1.3 million people into extreme poverty. This crisis is compounded by the escalation of violence, particularly in the tri-border region between Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, causing the displacement of 2 million people. To address these challenges, the World Bank is focusing its efforts on three main areas: Climate: Investing in restoring degraded land, increasing agricultural productivity and strengthening water security to develop climate-resilient food systems. Population: Focusing on educating girls and keeping them in school, particularly through the SWEDD project, to combat early marriage and promote women's empowerment. Infrastructure: Improving connectivity and promoting digital transformation, with projects aimed at providing access to electricity to millions of people. These initiatives aim to build a more sustainable and resilient future for the Sahel countries.

Governance, Climate change, Security, Development, Poverty, Women

The Media Foundation for West Africa report, published in December 2022, examines the evolution of press freedom in Mauritania in 2021. Following the election of President Mohamed Cheikh El Ghazouani in 2019, a democratic opening was initiated, including a national dialogue. However, private media, which appeared in 1990, continue to face major challenges. Although the decriminalization of press offenses in 2006 was a step forward, ambiguous laws still allow for censorship and harsh sanctions. The High Authority for the Press and Audiovisual (HAPA), created to regulate the sector, is often perceived as lacking independence. The absence of a specific law on access to information complicates the work of journalists, while public media remain biased in favor of the government. In 2021, the rise of social media provided new platforms for expression, but also led to attempts at state control.

Information, Réseaux sociaux, Liberté de presse

The IRIS video, dated September 3, 2024, presents an exchange between Pascal Boniface and Caroline Roussy, Research Director and Head of the Africa/s Program, on the security and political situation in the Sahel, particularly in Burkina Faso, following the attack of August 24, 2024, one of the deadliest in the country's history. They discuss the worsening security crisis in the region, marked by a resurgence of terrorist attacks and growing political instability. The video also addresses the challenges faced by local governments and international forces in their fight against terrorism, as well as the implications for the civilian population. The speakers emphasize the importance of an integrated approach, combining military efforts, economic development and strengthening governance, to sustainably stabilize the region. They emphasize the need for increased cooperation between the Sahel states and the international community to address this multidimensional crisis.

Governance, Security, Jihad, Violence

Pascal Boniface's video "West Africa: Guns vs. the Ballot Box" examines recent military coups in West Africa, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea. These events highlight a democratic crisis fueled by the inability of civilian governments to address security and socio-economic challenges, compounded by jihadist threats. In this context, some populations support military interventions as an alternative to weak democratic institutions. The author also discusses the reactions of the international community, including ECOWAS, the UN, and the European Union, which condemn these coups while questioning the future of French engagement in the Sahel and the growing influence of new actors such as Russia in the region.

Election, Violence

The security crisis in West Africa and the Sahel exacerbates the vulnerability of these regions to climate change. Conflicts hamper the governance of natural resources, which are essential for the global energy transition. Regional institutions, such as ECOWAS and the African Union, are weakened, compromising their ability to respond effectively to climate challenges. According to the IPCC, these areas are among the most vulnerable to future climate fluctuations. Demands for climate justice coincide with aspirations for social justice, particularly among African youth. Securing the management of strategic minerals is crucial for the industrialization and economic development of producer countries. It is imperative to integrate security considerations into international climate negotiations to ensure effective implementation of climate agendas in the Sahel and West Africa

Climate change, Environment, Natural ressources, Security, Vulnerability

The article “Knowledge is Power: Youth-led research to address power dynamics in knowledge and advocacy processes to end child marriage and promote girls’ education in West Africa” published in July 2024 by Girls Not Brides, highlighting the alarming prevalence of child marriage in West and Central Africa, where 39% of girls are married before the age of 18. Countries such as Niger (76%), Central African Republic (68%) and Chad (67%) are among the highest rates in the world. The project aims to strengthen the participation of young people, especially young women, in research and advocacy processes

Education, Women

The May 2023 article by the Institute of International and Strategic Relations (IRIS) analyzes the establishment of terrorist groups in northern Ghana. It highlights that the proximity to unstable areas, particularly in Burkina Faso, and the porosity of the borders facilitate the infiltration of these groups. Community conflicts, governance problems, high youth unemployment and illegal activities such as gold mining increase the vulnerability of the region. Terrorist groups exploit these weaknesses to recruit and establish logistical bases. The Ghanaian government has responded by strengthening the military presence, involving local communities and cooperating at the regional level to counter this threat.

Jihad, Military activity, Threat

The “2024-2027 Roadmap for Strengthening the Inclusion of Refugees in the National Health System in Mauritania” aims to fully integrate refugees into the Mauritanian health system. It is part of the country’s commitment to ensuring refugees’ access to health services, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the National Health Development Plan 2021-2030. Key objectives include strengthening health infrastructure, improving the supply of essential medicines, and gradually integrating refugees into the national health insurance system.

Governance, Health, refugee