The article titled "The Role of Customary Institutions in Building Youth Resilience to Violence" examines how traditional structures in sub-Saharan Africa help strengthen youth resilience against violence. The authors point out that current policies often focus on youth involved in violence, overlooking the majority who choose peaceful paths. This focus can perpetuate negative stereotypes about African youth. By exploring the reasons why most young people do not resort to violence, the study highlights the crucial role of customary institutions in conflict prevention and mediation. These traditional structures provide support mechanisms and conflict resolution methods tailored to local contexts, thus promoting social cohesion and peace. The authors call for increased recognition and integration of these institutions into violence prevention strategies.

Security, Conflict, Political Violence, Education, Mediation, Human security, Violence, Customs, Dialogue, Knowlege production

The article titled "The Role of Customary Institutions in Building Youth Resilience to Violence" examines how traditional structures in sub-Saharan Africa help strengthen youth resilience against violence. The authors point out that current policies often focus on youth involved in violence, overlooking the majority who choose peaceful paths. This focus can perpetuate negative stereotypes about African youth. By exploring the reasons why most young people do not resort to violence, the study highlights the crucial role of customary institutions in conflict prevention and mediation. These traditional structures provide support mechanisms and conflict resolution methods tailored to local contexts, thus promoting social cohesion and peace. The authors call for increased recognition and integration of these institutions into violence prevention strategies.

Security, Political Violence, Education, Human security, Violence, Customs, Threat, Soicial sciences, Knowlege production, Institution

The research report “From “all security” to diplomatic dialogue: should we consider negotiated stability in the Sahel? » by Baba Dakono, published in January 2022 by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), examines the security situation in the Sahel, particularly in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. It highlights the ineffectiveness of military responses and the growing interest in negotiations with armed groups. The study highlights that fragile states in the region fail to integrate border zones into their national policies, which favors the rise of extremist groups. Despite international interventions (Barkhane, MINUSMA, G5 Sahel), violence persists and calls for political solutions are growing louder.Local dialogues already exist but remain limited due to a centralized approach. The study recommends a holistic dialogue approach, involving all stakeholders, to achieve lasting peace.

Natural ressources, Security, Peace, Political Violence, Mediation, Gold, Human security, Violence, Threat, Dialogue

The article “Youth and Countering Violent Extremism in Africa”, written by Medhane Tadesse and published by the African Security Sector Network (ASSN) in 2022, examines the radicalization of young people in Africa and their involvement in violent extremism. It is based on research commissioned by the International Development Research Center (IDRC) which analyzed young people's experiences of violence, exclusion and injustice in 12 African countries. The study highlights that policies to combat violent extremism (P/CVE) are often ineffective because they do not take into account the voices of young people and women. Emphasis is placed on including young people in public policies to strengthen community resilience and reduce their vulnerability to extremist groups. The article proposes alternative approaches based on social inclusion, civic engagement and the participation of local actors, rather than repressive approaches.

Security, Political Violence, Education, Youth, Human security, Violence, Threat, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

The article “Gender, violence and violent extremism in Africa” by Fredline M'Cormack-Hale, published by the African Security Sector Network (ASSN) in 2022, explores the link between gender, violence and violent extremism (VE) in Africa. It draws on 14 research projects in 12 African countries to understand why young people, including women, join or resist extremist groups. The study demonstrates that women are not only victims, but also actors of EV, playing various roles ranging from logistical support to direct participation in combat. Researchers emphasize the importance of inclusive policies adapted to local specificities, integrating women not only as beneficiaries, but also as stakeholders in strategies to combat extremism. The article also emphasizes the need for policies facilitating the reintegration of women who have left these extremist groups.

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

The article “When the community influences public authorities: women mobilized in West Africa” by Larissa Kojoué, published by the Population & Development Center (Ceped, Université Paris Cité – IRD), explores the way in which collective mobilizations of women in West Africa have influenced public policies in recent years. Through several examples (Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal, Ivory Coast), he highlighted collective actions that led to major political reforms, notably the criminalization of rape, the protection of young girls in school and the fight against sexist violence. The article emphasizes the role of African activists who, beyond international influences, have shaped their own movements with demands adapted to local realities. However, it also highlights persistent challenges, such as the regression of rights under political pressure, security crises and the influence of religious conservatism.

Politics, Political party, State, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Political Violence, Gold, Violence, Threat

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

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