On June 1, 2025, the Boulikessi military camp in Douentza region (central Mali) was attacked by jihadist groups affiliated with GSIM, resulting in several Malian soldiers killed . The camp is strategically located at a border crossroads with Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mauritania, controlling fuel, arms, and ammunition trafficking routes . Since 2011, various armed factions (MNLA, MUJAO, MAA, GATIA, HCUA) have fought to control it, exploiting power vacuums . Reinforced with civilian infrastructure in 2016, it faced further attacks in 2017 and 2019, causing looting and friction with locals . Recaptures of the camp are often followed by terror assaults, undermining regional stability. The article warns that the fall of Boulikessi would expose nearby hubs like Hombori and Mondoro, significantly exacerbating security risks in the area.

Governance, Boundary, Security, Military activity, Trafic

In this video interview, Zounon Félix, a research officer at Niger’s National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRAN, Maradi center), explains how his institute relies on its own resources to conduct agricultural experiments. He outlines INRAN’s history, founded in 1975 and gaining public institutional status in 2010, with four regional centers (Niamey, Kollo, Tahoua, Maradi). Although the infrastructure is in good condition, the institute lacks scientific equipment, communications gear, and office supplies. Félix details its five research departments—irrigated and rainfed crops, animal production, natural resource management, and rural social sciences. He emphasizes INRAN’s enhanced autonomy and its ability to maintain programs despite limited external funding, through local engagement and self-financing efforts.

Governance, Agriculture, Knowlege production, Funding, Scientific research

The February–March 2025 Pastoral Monitoring Bulletin, published by Action Against Hunger, highlights key challenges for pastoralism in the Sahel. This transition period between the cold and hot dry seasons is characterized by the drying up of temporary water points and widespread bushfires that have reduced forage availability. Nevertheless, pasture remains generally sufficient. Seasonal transhumance movements are mainly downward, but abnormal or forced movements linked to insecurity are also reported. The body condition of livestock ranges from fair to satisfactory, although suspected disease outbreaks are noted. Cereal and livestock prices are mostly rising, but terms of trade remain unfavorable for herders in many areas. Livestock theft, limited market access, and the arrival of refugees are further complicating conditions in certain regions.

State, Pastoralism, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Education, Gold, Human security, Insécurité

This Policy Brief by Sten Hagberg examines the effects of population displacement on the rapid urbanisation of secondary cities in the Sahel, focusing on Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. It discusses the strain on public services, the growth of informal settlements, shifting family and gender dynamics, and the securitisation and mistrust targeting displaced populations. Displaced persons mostly seek refuge in under-resourced regional cities. The Brief highlights political tensions around official displacement categories and promotes analysis through “practical norms” — real-life social and urban governance practices. It concludes with a call for more qualitative research to better understand these urban dynamics and support displaced populations.

Gender, Security, Political Violence, Education, Human security, Violence, Threat, Urbanisation, Soicial sciences, Knowlege production

The article by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, published on July 5, 2023 (updated May 10, 2024), details Russia’s extensive interference across Africa aimed at undermining democracy. Russia employs both official means (UN resolution blocks) and irregular tactics (disinformation, Wagner paramilitary group, illicit arms deals) to bolster authoritarian regimes and obstruct democratic transitions. Russian influence has been documented in 28 African countries. The report highlights how disinformation campaigns, electoral manipulation, and support for unconstitutional power grabs are interwoven to sustain anti-democratic governance. This strategy weakens institutions, distorts public discourse, and undermines the will of African citizens who largely support democracy. The analysis warns of long-term consequences for national sovereignty and democratic resilience across the continent.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Education, Democracy, Election, Gold, Influence, Infowar, Information

The article “Crises and Knowledge Production: A State of Universities in the Sahel”, published by WATHI on June 26, 2024, highlights how political instability, terrorism, and chronic underfunding have severely weakened universities in the Sahel. These institutions suffer from repeated strikes, staff emigration, reduced budgets, and a lack of connection between academic research and policymaking. Yet, universities hold critical potential to understand and address crises through interdisciplinary research. However, a major gap persists between academic outputs and their integration into decision-making processes. The article calls for a shift: universities should be recognized as strategic centers for crisis analysis. It recommends enhanced investment in local research, stronger collaboration between scholars and policymakers, and efforts to ensure that knowledge production informs public policy and societal needs.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Social, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

On the occasion of ECOWAS's 50th anniversary, West African leaders meet in Lagos amid regional turmoil marked by insecurity, the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, declining international aid, and stricter U.S. tariffs. Analysts Jean-Claude Felix-Tchicaya (IPSE), Gilles Yabi (WATHI), and France 24’s Moise Gomis examine the crisis facing the bloc. ECOWAS's influence is waning, and its credibility is challenged due to inconsistent responses to military coups and a perceived disconnect from citizens’ needs. The panel stresses the urgency of redefining ECOWAS’s purpose, focusing on regional security, cooperation, and socioeconomic development. To remain relevant, the organization must propose a coherent, inclusive vision that resonates with member states and their populations.

Governance, Security, Democracy, Diplomacy, Crisis, Coopération régionale

The study "Food Insecurity in the Central Sahel", coordinated by Pierre Janin, assesses public policies and crisis management systems in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger since 2004. It embraces a critical and context-sensitive approach, moving beyond simplistic causal explanations to address the multifaceted nature of food crises, shaped by climatic, economic, political, and security factors. The study reviews four major crises (2004–2005, 2007–2008, 2011–2012, 2020–2022) in each country, evaluating the relevance and evolution of institutional responses. It advocates for a shift from technical risk management to strategic governance, emphasizing negotiated compromises and adaptive responses. The growing politicization of food-related challenges—exemplified by the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—reshapes regional sovereignty dynamics and calls for innovative policy frameworks.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Food security, Gold, Human security, Crisis, Insécurité, Food insecurity

The July 2023 military coup in Niger reversed a decade of democratic and socio-economic progress. Under democratically elected presidents Issoufou and Bazoum, Niger had made significant advances in security, economic growth, governance, and press freedom. Since the junta took power, these achievements have deteriorated: a 67% increase in terrorism-related deaths, economic decline, media repression, loss of civil liberties, and decreased transparency. The junta has also strengthened ties with Russia, enabling disinformation and controversial mining concessions. The dissolution of elected institutions and militarization of governance reflect a major crisis in national sovereignty and democratic order. This regression not only destabilizes Niger but has broader implications for West African regional stability.

State, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Peace, Justice, Education, Democracy, Gold, Human security, Medias, Infowar, Information