The article “Slavery by Descent in the Kayes Region” examines the persistence of hereditary slavery in Mali, particularly among the Soninké and Malinké communities of the Kayes region. Historically, slavery was an economic and social pillar, ensuring the prosperity of local elites. Despite its official abolition in 1905, hierarchical social structures persist, maintaining power relations based on descent. The study highlights that, although Islam encourages emancipation, some local interpretations of sacred texts have been used to legitimize this practice. Religious scholars, or marabouts, play an ambivalent role, sometimes perceived as complacent towards slavery by descent. This situation leads to discrimination and social tensions, requiring concerted action to eradicate these practices and promote equality.

Discrimination, Esclavage

The World Bank Group’s Sahel Education White Paper (December 2021) highlights the central role of education for the region’s economic and human development. Each year of education increases incomes by 7% to 15%, while gender inequality and early marriage are particularly acute. Although primary school enrollment doubled and secondary school enrollment tripled between 2005 and 2018, challenges remain: low quality of education, high population growth, and high dropout rates. More than 40% of school-age children are not in school. Improving the quality and access to education is essential to sustainably lift people out of poverty.

Inequality, Gender, Education, Poverty, Démographie

This qualitative study, conducted in Burkina Faso (Sep–Nov 2022), gathers the voices of 202 youths (aged 10–17, displaced or not) across 31 focus groups in six regions. The youths prioritize basic needs—food, water, clothing, healthcare, bicycles or mobility aids for disabled youths. Education is deemed critical for their future, despite school violence. Adolescents wish to contribute to family income and favor practical training (sewing, livestock). Leisure is a luxury and security a necessity. They feel excluded, ignored in aid targeting, poorly informed about humanitarian actors, and report distribution sites as unsafe and undignified. The report recommends strengthening youth participation: inform and involve youths in planning, ensure fair targeting, improve safety and dignity at distribution sites, and tailor assistance to their specific needs.

Inequality, Youth, Vulnerability