This study investigates the prevalence and determinants of female genital mutilation (FGM) in ten high-risk Sub-Saharan African countries. Utilizing Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 129,182 women aged 15–49, the authors report an overall FGM prevalence of 53.5%. Factors associated with a higher likelihood of undergoing FGM include older age, lack of formal education, rural residence, unemployment, poverty, belief that FGM is religiously mandated, support for wife-beating, and limited decision-making power regarding health. The study emphasizes the need for urgent, targeted interventions that address these socio-economic and cultural determinants to eliminate this harmful practice.

Governance, Santé publique, Female genital mutilation, Women's rights

In 2024, the number of forcibly displaced people in Africa reached a record high, exceeding 45 million, a 14% increase from the previous year. The majority (over 34 million) are internally displaced. The Sudan emerged as the epicenter of the crisis, with 12.6 million displaced due to fighting between the army and Rapid Support Forces. Other severely affected countries include the DR Congo, Somalia, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Mali, and Cameroon. Primary causes include armed conflicts, state repression (notably in Eritrea and Rwanda), regional instability, and acute food insecurity. The report emphasizes the growing interlinkage between security and humanitarian crises and calls for greater international support to address the complex political and humanitarian challenges across the continent.

Natural ressources, Security, Peace, Conflict, Political Violence, Gold, Human security, Violence, Threat, Civil Society

This article examines China's growing presence in the Sahel, focusing on Niger and Chad. Despite security challenges, including threats from Boko Haram and porous borders, China has increased its economic investments in these countries. Key sectors include energy, mining, and infrastructure, with significant projects in road construction, bridges, and thermal power plants. Since 2014, China has become Niger's leading supplier. However, China's involvement remains primarily economic, with limited engagement in security matters, unlike France and the United States, which maintain substantial military presence in the region. The article also highlights concerns about economic dependency and the need for Sahelian countries to diversify their partnerships.

Governance, Economic Development, Security, International cooperation

This report examines the social and cultural factors sustaining female genital mutilation (FGM) in Chad's Mandoul region, where prevalence exceeds 80% in certain areas. FGM is often viewed as a vital initiation rite tied to female identity, influenced by social norms, religious beliefs, and ethnic traditions. Despite legal prohibition since 2002 and its inclusion in the 2017 Constitution, the practice continues, frequently in clandestine settings. Health consequences include obstetric complications and sexual dysfunctions. The report emphasizes the need for locally adapted approaches involving communities, religious leaders, and healthcare professionals to challenge the social norms supporting FGM. It recommends awareness campaigns, particularly in schools, and training for local stakeholders to encourage the abandonment of this practice.

Culture, Cultural identity, Governance, Women, Health, Female genital mutilation

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

Since April 2023, over 930,000 individuals have fled the war in Sudan, seeking refuge in eastern Chad, particularly in the Ouaddaï region. This massive influx has placed significant strain on local resources, intensifying intercommunal tensions and agropastoral conflicts. Chadian authorities, with support from international partners, are striving to manage this humanitarian crisis while maintaining regional stability. The report emphasizes the need to strengthen cross-border cooperation, improve natural resource management, and promote dialogue among communities to prevent an escalation of violence. It also calls for increased international aid to support humanitarian and development efforts in the region.

Conflict, refugee, Aid, Crise humanitaire

In this article published by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and featured by WATHI on March 13, 2024, author Mahamat Saleh Adoum warns of the growing trend of kidnappings in Chad, particularly in border areas with Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and Sudan. These acts, often carried out by transnational criminal groups and unidentified armed elements, severely impact local communities and threaten regional stability. The article emphasizes the lack of coordination among regional states and the absence of a structured security response. The author calls for stronger cross-border cooperation, reform of local governance structures, and increased support for affected populations. Without decisive action, this security crisis could evolve into a major regional threat.

Governance, Security, Crisis management, Crisis, Coopération régionale

In this note published by WATHI on May 8, 2024, based on a report by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the article titled “Escaping Poverty: Developing the Transport Network in Chad” highlights the critical importance of transport infrastructure for Chad’s socio-economic development. The country suffers from geographic isolation worsened by an underdeveloped, poorly maintained road network. According to the IsDB, this situation limits access to essential services, undermines competitiveness, and exacerbates poverty. Improving transport infrastructure—particularly rural roads—would enhance trade flows, strengthen national integration, and generate employment. The article urges greater engagement from technical and financial partners to support strategic infrastructure projects as part of a long-term poverty reduction agenda.

Governance, Development, Poverty

Sudan's civil war, which erupted in April 2023, has led to the displacement of over one million refugees and returnees into eastern Chad, an area that is both remote and impoverished. This humanitarian crisis is placing immense strain on local resources and infrastructure. Intercommunal tensions are rising, particularly between Sudanese refugees and Chadian host communities, fueled by land disputes and ethnic rivalries. The presence of armed groups and the potential for regional destabilization are significant concerns. The article emphasizes the urgent need for a coordinated international response to support Chad, enhance border security, and prevent further escalation of the conflict.

Governance, Conflict, refugee, Crisis, Insécurité, Destabilization