This country profile on Mauritania reviews political, security, economic, and social developments since 2020, focusing on the period under President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani. It discusses attempts at democratic reform, ongoing challenges in tackling corruption, and the ambiguous stance on human rights. The document also highlights northern security tensions, refugee reintegration issues, and growing socio-economic inequalities. Additionally, it provides insight into the country's natural resources (gold, iron, gas), pastoralism, and environmental concerns. Finally, the profile emphasizes Mauritania’s complex geopolitical position, straddling North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

Politics, Political party, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Jihad, Terrorism, Education, Gold, Human security

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

One year after Bassirou Diomaye Faye (PASTEF) was elected President of Senegal, this report reviews key reforms undertaken. The year was marked by a transition period, the appointment of technocrats, and judicial reforms including the creation of a Financial Judicial Unit. Despite economic measures (price cuts, public finance audits, the launch of “Senegal 2050”), the high cost of living remains a challenge. In foreign policy, the government has asserted its sovereignty by initiating the closure of French military bases and renegotiating international agreements. However, public expectations remain high, particularly concerning gender parity, transparency, reduction of state spending, and youth employment. Political debate still overshadows substantive discussions on public policy reforms.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Gold, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

This work examines the pivotal role of political parties in modern democracy. Parties embody and structure electoral competition, develop programs, mobilize citizens, and uphold the separation of powers. Confronting a global "democratic recession"—marked by curtailed freedoms, concentrated authority, corruption, and weakened independent media—the author positions parties as potential bulwarks. In West Africa, civic space restrictions and military interventions threaten democratic processes; parties can reintroduce dialogue, articulate social interests, and offer political alternatives. The text stresses the need for genuine pluralism: without party diversity, democracy cannot exist. The book also compares international dynamics (India, Brazil, Europe, United States), showing that challenges are global, and advocates strengthening parties through transparent structures, ethical leadership, and autonomy to restore public trust.

Political party, Political Power, Governance, Democracy, Political participation

The Senegal country brief, published on May 19, 2025, by the PASAS platform, summarizes 72 references addressing educational, health, environmental, social, and political issues in the country. Senegal’s expanding higher education system still struggles with inequality in access and quality. Public health faces challenges such as malnutrition, mental health stigmatization, and poor healthcare coverage. Environmental concerns—particularly water and land management—are linked to urban and rural tensions. Social dynamics reflect the mobilization of youth and women’s movements. Governance is explored through political transitions, security challenges at the borders, and Senegal’s shifting role in regional diplomacy. The brief also highlights gaps in coverage, including primary education, infectious diseases, and religious healthcare services.

Politics, Political party, Governance, Environment, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Education, Youth, Gold, Human security, Social, Health, Researh

In this article published in March 2025 by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, Joseph Siegle analyzes the regional and political drivers of Sudan’s ongoing conflict. He discusses the U.S. designation of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as perpetrators of genocide in Darfur, where civilians—mainly from the Masalit ethnic group—have suffered large-scale atrocities. The conflict, a power struggle between RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), has attracted competing regional sponsors: the United Arab Emirates back RSF, while Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and others support SAF. Siegle warns of the danger of a prolonged proxy war and emphasizes the need for Sudanese civilians to be central in any negotiated settlement. He calls for all regional actors to reassess their strategic interests to prevent further fragmentation and ensure a viable political resolution.

Politics, Political party, Power, State, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Conflict, Gold, Threat

Matthew La Lime’s article, published by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies in November 2024, explores the rise of Black Axe, Nigeria’s most notorious transnational criminal organization. Originally a student fraternity, Black Axe has evolved into a global criminal enterprise operating in over 30 countries. Its billions in annual revenue come from cybercrime, money laundering, drug trafficking, and sex work. In Nigeria, Black Axe exerts influence over politics through patrimonial networks, protected by elites who hinder legal prosecution. While international operations like INTERPOL’s Jackal III have made arrests, domestic efforts are largely ineffective due to political interference. The article recommends legal reforms, grassroots mobilization, and enhanced international cooperation to dismantle Black Axe’s power structure and financial flows.

Politics, Political party, Power, State, Natural ressources, Political Violence, Gold, Violence, Threat, Illegal activity

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