The article analyzes the growing threat from terrorist groups in northern Ghana, a region hitherto spared from major attacks despite its proximity to Burkina Faso. Ghana's Minister of Defense warns of the risks of terrorist establishment, particularly in Bawku, where attempted attacks have taken place. The article explores the strategies of armed terrorist groups to gain a foothold and highlight the country's vulnerabilities.

Governance, Security, Terrorism, Groupes armés

This report analyzes Burkina Faso’s security apparatus in the wake of the 2014 uprising and President Compaoré's fall. It highlights structural weaknesses in defense and security forces, the divisive role of the Presidential Security Regiment (RSP), the rise of terrorism, and the emergence of self-defense groups (Kogl-wéogo). The study details issues such as lack of coordination, inadequate equipment and training, and politicization of the military. It also reviews reform efforts, including the dissolution of the RSP, the creation of a national intelligence agency, and civil society's demands for a depoliticized, professional military. The authors advocate for a republican army, aligned with democratic principles and separated from political power.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Terrorism, Gold, Military activity, Human security, Réforme

The article “The Sahel: a new theater for global jihadist groups? by Atta Barkindo, published in March 2020 in Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyzes, examines the evolution of the Sahel as a fertile ground for global jihadist groups. Despite military offensives against Boko Haram, the region remains a focal point for groups linked to Al-Qaeda (AQ) and the Islamic State (IS). The author explores the history of links between Boko Haram and these organizations, highlighting the growing influence of ISIS in the region. It highlights the structural causes of this expansion, notably political instability, poverty, porous borders and intercommunity rivalries. The financing of terrorism through drug trafficking, cigarette smuggling and kidnapping for ransom strengthens their operational capacity. The article concludes on the need for a coordinated response between Sahelian governments and international partners to stem this growing threat.

State, Security, Conflict, Jihad, Terrorism, Political Violence, Education, Human security, Threat, Knowlege production

The article “After the Sahelian failure, rethinking the software of French policy in Africa” by Alain Antil and Thierry Vircoulon, published on April 10, 2024 by the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri), analyzes the failure of French strategy in the Sahel and its broader repercussions on Paris' African policy. After the breakdown of relations with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, France saw its influence collapse in the face of the rise of anti-French sentiment and the emergence of new partners such as Russia and China. The article identifies several contradictions in French policy: paternalism, the disconnection between analysis and political action, and the contradiction between migration policy and African diplomacy. It proposes a strategic repositioning, based on a realistic assessment of French interests in Africa, abandoning outdated approaches and integrating the new geopolitical realities of the continent.

Politics, Political party, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Jihad, Gold, Human security, Threat

The article entitled "Nigeria: The climate crisis fuels conflicts and terrorism", written by Raphaël D. and published on the Mr Mondialisation website in January 2021, analyzes the impact of climate change on security in Nigeria. The country is experiencing increasing desertification, particularly in the north, involving arable land and pastures. This situation pushes nomadic herders to migrate south, leading to conflicts with local sedentary farmers. These tensions have reached a critical level of violence, causing as many casualties as the terrorist group Boko Haram. Climate disruption thus favors the development of terrorist groups, who take advantage of the instability to carry out deadly raids and pillaging, financing part of their operations through the sale of stolen livestock. Government measures, such as the National Livestock Transformation Plan, are taken into account for their inadequacy to the needs of breeders, exacerbating existing tensions.

Agriculture, Livestock, Climate change, Security, Conflict, Terrorism

This article explores the complex relationship between climate change and conflicts in the Sahel. Author Luca Raineri questions the often-assumed link between environmental degradation and the rise of terrorism in the region. Poorly designed programs, such as the Great Green Wall and anti-desertification measures, have sometimes worsened tensions by marginalizing local communities. Authoritarian environmental protection policies have enabled extremist groups to exploit local frustrations. The article advocates for inclusive approaches, based on nuanced socio-political analyses, to avoid ineffective one-size-fits-all policies. Participatory natural resource management is highlighted as a sustainable solution to mitigate conflicts and prevent terrorism.

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

The article examines the complex situation in central Mali, where individuals posing as jihadists or traditional hunters (Dozos) exacerbate intercommunal tensions. Jihadists exploit the historical heritage of the Fulani to legitimize their presence, while non-Fulani militias disguise themselves as Dozos to justify actions against the Fulani. This dynamic increases polarization, trapping civilians between these armed groups. Stereotypes and amalgamations contribute to unjustified reprisals, fueling a cycle of violence that further undermines social cohesion and regional stability.

Conflict, Jihad

This report, authored by Aurélie Campana and published in March 2018 by the Raoul-Dandurand Chair at the Université du Québec à Montréal, explores the resilience of jihadist groups in the Malian conflict since 2015. Despite international and national military efforts, these groups show remarkable adaptability through organizational fluidity and local embeddedness. The document delves into the dynamics of the Malian conflict, highlighting the interplay of local power struggles, intercommunal tensions, and the state's legitimacy crisis. While fragmented, jihadists leverage violence to sustain influence and recruitment, occasionally attempting to position themselves as governance alternatives. The report also examines the complexity of alliances among jihadist groups and raises the question of their potential inclusion in political processes.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Conflict, Jihad, Terrorism, Political Violence, Gold, Violence, Threat

The study "Security and Judicial Cooperation in West Africa to Combat Jihadist Armed Groups" examines regional initiatives addressing the jihadist threat in West Africa. The author highlights the Accra Initiative, an intergovernmental mechanism focused on information sharing, security force training, and joint operations. Military cooperation between Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso, as well as challenges in judicial collaboration, are explored. The study emphasizes limited successes, institutional barriers, and the need for political momentum to enhance these efforts.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Jihad, Terrorism, Gold, Human security, Cooperation