In 2024, violence by Islamist militant groups in Africa caused an estimated 18,900 deaths, with the Sahel, Somalia, and the Lake Chad Basin most affected. The Sahel alone accounted for 55% of the total fatalities, notably in Burkina Faso, which has become the epicenter of insurgent activity. The JNIM coalition (linked to AQIM) is responsible for the majority of attacks. Alarmingly, more civilians were killed by Sahelian security forces and their Russian allies than by militants. Violence is rising in Niger, Togo, and Benin, while Somalia, despite a decrease in deaths, remains impacted by Al Shabaab and the Islamic State. Mozambique and North Africa have also seen renewed increases. The report warns that actual figures may be underreported due to media repression. The data illustrates the persistence and adaptability of militant operations across the continent.

Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Political Violence, Gold, Human security, Violence, Threat

This Policy Brief explores Senegal’s role in mediating the crisis between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), formed by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger after their withdrawal from ECOWAS. Drawing on its diplomatic tradition and neutrality, Senegal, under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has been appointed as a facilitator. While Senegal officially promotes the AES’s return to ECOWAS, its emissary's statements suggest a more nuanced stance. The brief analyzes issues of regional integration, governance, security cooperation, and sovereignty. It highlights the need for realistic mediation, one that acknowledges the AES states’ security concerns while preserving ECOWAS’s democratic and economic frameworks. The document also emphasizes the regional consequences of the split, including economic fragmentation and weakened security cooperation, urging Senegal to play a strategic and balanced role.

Politics, Political party, Power, State, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Conflict, Gold, Human security, Diplomacy, Crisis

This report documents the sharp rise in disinformation campaigns across Africa—from 50 in 2022 to 189 in 2024—with nearly 60% sponsored by foreign state actors, chiefly Russia, China, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. West Africa is the most targeted region, with 72 campaigns, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These campaigns aim to shape political narratives, undermine democracy, support military coups, and discredit international institutions. Russia-linked networks, including Wagner, have been central in the Sahel. The report also highlights increasing domestic disinformation, notably during Kenya’s 2022 and Nigeria’s 2023 elections, as well as growing involvement of Islamist militant groups. Disinformation is spreading rapidly due to social media use and declining press freedom, posing a significant threat to stability, civil rights, and democratic governance across the continent.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Education, Gold, Social, Influence, Infowar, Information

In response to the worsening crisis in the Sahel—characterized by increased violence, mass population displacements, and the closure of thousands of schools—the Sahelian civil society, supported by international partners, launched the Citizen Coalition for the Sahel. This initiative aims to promote an inclusive, people-centered approach to resolving ongoing conflicts. The coalition is structured around four citizen pillars: the protection of civilians, the fight against impunity, addressing humanitarian emergencies, and promoting sustainable political solutions. It calls for close collaboration between states, international organizations, and local communities, particularly in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, to restore trust between populations and their governments and to build lasting peace.

Governance, Peace, Justice, Crisis management, Crise humanitaire

The Pastoral Surveillance Bulletin for Northern Côte d'Ivoire (No. 2, Dec. 2024 – Jan. 2025) provides insights into pastoral dynamics in Bounkani and Tchologo regions. While pasture resources are generally sufficient, pressure has increased due to the influx of refugees, cross-border herd movements, and forced relocations. Livestock body condition is fair, with notable deterioration among large ruminants. Animal disease cases are rising. Farmer-herder conflicts and cattle thefts have intensified, alongside growing insecurity. Livestock prices remain low compared to cereals, weakening pastoralists' purchasing power. Despite market accessibility, the scarcity of fodder and veterinary services compounds vulnerabilities. The bulletin recommends improved coordination among state actors, NGOs, and local communities to support resilience, manage tensions, and protect livelihoods.

State, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Education, Gold, Human security, Social, Researh

Published in The Journal of Climate Change and Health, this paper examines the intensifying impacts of climate change in West Africa’s Sahel region, focusing on countries such as Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Cameroon, Mauritania, and Senegal. Rising temperatures, desertification, erratic rainfall, and flooding are exacerbating competition over land and water, escalating violent conflict, and triggering mass displacement. Over 13 million people are now internally displaced across the region. Urban and rural populations alike face growing food insecurity, water scarcity, health service gaps, and significant mental health burdens. The paper calls for integrated climate adaptation policies, improved protection of displaced populations, conflict prevention strategies, and enhanced regional cooperation. It also highlights the urgent need for further research and investment to strengthen resilience and prevent humanitarian crises

Climate change, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Political Violence, Human security, Violence, Threat, Soicial sciences, Knowlege production

This Policy Brief from the Gorée Institute examines the root causes of state fragility in the Sahel (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger) and outlines practical strategies for rebuilding resilient institutions. It highlights the dominance of the executive branch, institutional weaknesses, lack of political legitimacy, social inequalities, climate change, and insecurity as core drivers of collapse. The brief proposes a comprehensive reform agenda focused on democratic governance (institutional balance, judicial independence) and good governance (decentralization, transparency, and poverty reduction). It emphasizes the need for an integrated approach combining institutional reform, inclusive development, regional cooperation, and citizen engagement to restore state legitimacy and stability in the Sahel.

Politics, Political party, Power, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Gold, Human security, Social, Institution

This rapid review, authored by Issa Wone (Assane Seck University of Ziguinchor), highlights the essential role of local governments in sanitation and hygiene (S&H) governance in West Africa. Following the decentralization reforms of the 1980s and 1990s, municipalities have become key actors in managing public services. However, they face persistent challenges: lack of resources, weak coordination with national institutions, and limited technical capacity. The report calls for institutional strengthening, adequate financing, and active community participation. It also emphasizes the need to address social equity and ensure the inclusion of vulnerable groups to advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 6 on sanitation.

Governance, Decentralization, Politique publique, Hygiène

This article by the We Are Water Foundation presents three concrete cases in the global effort toward universal sanitation: in Burkina Faso, Guatemala, and Kenya. In Burkina Faso, the foundation, together with UNICEF and local authorities, eliminated open defecation in the Sissili province using the CLTS approach, which empowers communities through awareness and self-driven action. In Lake Atitlán (Guatemala), Mosan developed a chemical-free, waterless toilet system that transforms waste into useful resources. In Kibera (Nairobi), UN-Habitat incorporated sanitation needs into a broader urban development plan involving roads, waste collection, and public spaces. The article stresses that access to safe toilets is a basic human right and a vital component of dignity, sustainability, and equitable development.

Governance, Environment, Food security, Hygiène, Santé publique