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

This article presents an overview of Africa’s migration trends as 2025 approaches. It highlights a sharp decline in irregular migration to Europe and the Arabian Peninsula due to stricter border control policies (notably in Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, and Mauritania). Meanwhile, informal intra-African migration is on the rise, driven mostly by economic reasons. West Africa, especially Mali, remains a key emigration zone due to political instability and high unemployment. Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, South Africa, and Kenya are leading destinations. The article also underscores increased risks faced by migrants (shipwrecks, trafficking, violence) and calls for regional policy innovation, stronger protection frameworks, and improved migration governance. It emphasizes the growing demographic pressure and highlights new responses, including regional free movement protocols, EU partnerships, and bilateral agreements aiming to link labor supply and demand across continents.

Migration, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Education, Development, Gold, Human security, Researh, EMPLOYMENT

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

The article examines the challenges faced by young people in the Sahel, including insecurity, unemployment, territorial inequalities, and political exclusion. Youth in conflict zones often serve on the front lines or are pushed to desperate choices due to lack of opportunity. Urban–rural disparities and the failure of imported democratic models have led to deep frustrations. Some transitions, particularly military ones in Burkina Faso, receive popular support but raise concerns about civil liberties. The piece underscores the need for inclusive governance, stronger representation of youth and minorities, and holistic solutions addressing the root causes of instability. It calls for educational reform, psychosocial support, equitable access to resources, and renewed civic participation among youth.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Political Violence, Education, Gold, Human security, Social, Threat

This report by the Timbuktu Institute examines the growing threat of Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimīn (JNIM) in the tri-border area of Mali, Mauritania, and Senegal. The group expands its influence through violent operations, illicit economic activities (timber, livestock, mining), and ideological infiltration. Vulnerabilities in eastern Senegal—such as porous borders, youth unemployment, caste-based grievances, and the spread of Salafism—make it a potential target, despite the country’s current stability. The report highlights the resilience of Senegal, grounded in social cohesion, widespread religious moderation, effective and professional security forces, and local resistance to extremist narratives. It calls for strengthened border presence, enhanced cross-border cooperation with Mali and Mauritania, and increased involvement of local religious and traditional leaders to curb JNIM’s expansion strategy.

Security, Extremism, Radicalisation

In her review of Guérir en Afrique. Promesses et transformations, Géraldine Vernerey-Kopp examines a collective volume edited by Alice Desclaux, Aïssa Diarra, and Sandrine Musso. The book investigates the concept of healing in various African settings through a multidisciplinary and constructivist lens. Spread over 14 chapters and four parts, the work explores healing as a therapeutic promise, a collective construction, an individual perception, and a global health issue. It highlights the complexities of medical pluralism, the interaction between biomedicine, traditional, and religious healing systems, and the challenge of defining “healing” in chronic or socially constructed illnesses. Although the notion of healing sometimes remains elusive, the book offers valuable insights to rethink healthcare systems and the role of local therapeutic knowledge in Africa and beyond.

Power, Natural ressources, Education, Gold, Social, Health, Customs, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

n 2025, Mauritania is experiencing a complex humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing insecurity, climate change, and a significant influx of 318,000 Malian refugees and 55,000 returning Mauritanians. During the lean season (June–September), an estimated 590,452 people will face acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3+), particularly in the Hodh Chargui region. While agro-pastoral conditions are generally favorable, localized floods and high food prices are straining vulnerable households. Action Against Hunger's emergency response has improved food diversity, coping strategies, and key nutritional indicators. Despite being a socioeconomic pillar, pastoralism is increasingly threatened by environmental degradation and cross-border pressures. Stronger partner support is crucial to prevent conflicts and build long-term resilience.

Gender, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Food security, Gold, Human security, refugee, Information, Malnutrition, Emergency

The February–March 2025 pastoral surveillance bulletin highlights growing pastoral challenges in Senegal. Vegetation cover remains low in the north and south, with significant shortages in Saint-Louis, Louga, and Matam. While water resources are generally adequate, pasture conditions are poor in several areas. Livestock body conditions are mostly fair to good, but deteriorate in critical zones. Animal disease outbreaks, livestock mortality, and extensive bushfires—especially in Tambacounda—are reported. Markets remain accessible, yet livestock and cereal prices, particularly rice, are on the rise, increasing pastoralist vulnerability. Cases of theft and farmer-herder conflicts are also noted. The report urges strengthening resource governance, veterinary surveillance, fire prevention, and awareness on sustainable transhumance.

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

This ACF monitoring bulletin presents the progress of 56 micro-enterprises supported in Bassikounou, Mauritania, under a UNHCR-funded project. Despite a fragile economic context, some positive trends are observed: improved debt repayment (88%), increased use of personal savings, and emerging financial diversification. Agriculture, livestock, and general trade prove most profitable, while solar energy remains the most vulnerable sector. However, major challenges persist: reliance on humanitarian aid, limited access to formal financing, poor business structuring, rising input costs, and client indebtedness. ACF recommends reinforced support (training, management tools, formalization, access to credit) to ensure long-term sustainability. The strong involvement of women and the growing use of community-based solutions (tontines, AVECs) are encouraging signs of economic resilience and adaptation.

Agriculture, Economic Development, Gender, Natural ressources, Education, Development, Gold, Aid, Private sector, Funding