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

Olivier Corten's article, published by the Group for Research and Information on Peace and Security (GRIP) on October 9, 2023, analyzes the political crisis in Niger following the coup d'état of July 26, 2023 which overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum. It examines the international reaction, notably that of ECOWAS, which considered military intervention to restore constitutional order. The author highlights the legal limits of the use of force according to international law, recalling that the UN Charter prohibits any military intervention without authorization from the Security Council. He emphasizes that neither the ECOWAS legal framework nor a possible call for help from Bazoum justifies legitimate intervention. Finally, he warns of the risks of regional fragmentation and the dangerous precedent that could represent such action.

State, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Education, Gold, Human security, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

The book Refugee in One’s Own Country: A Collective Investigation into Internally Displaced Persons in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) examines the plight of individuals fleeing violence in Burkina Faso and seeking refuge in the capital. Conducted in 2021-2022 by a team of Burkinabè and French researchers, the study highlights the exclusion of these internally displaced persons (IDPs) from official statistics and humanitarian aid. Testimonies reveal harsh living conditions, difficulties integrating into the urban environment, and a lack of institutional recognition. The study also explores the complexity of the conflict in the "three-border zone" (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) and the spread of violence. Combining anthropological and geographical approaches, it sheds light on the displaced population’s adaptation strategies and their struggle for visibility amid an ongoing security and political crisis.

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

The article "Tramadol, medicine and drug for the poor in West Africa and the Sahel", written by Antonin Tisseron and published on October 12, 2017 by the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri), analyzes the rise of consumption of Tramadol in West Africa and the Sahel. Initially an opioid painkiller, it became a commonly taken drug due to its low cost and stimulating effects. Imported mainly from India and China, it is often sold in counterfeit form in doses well above pharmaceutical standards. This consumption has spread in various circles, notably among young people, manual workers and fighters of armed groups such as Boko Haram. The article highlights the health risks (dependence, convulsions, psychological disorders) as well as security issues. He calls for better regulation and awareness campaigns to limit the harmful effects of this substance.

Power, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Gold, Social, Soicial sciences, Illegal activity, Médicament

This article examines the intersection of jihadi governance and gender practices in the Sahel. It explores how jihadist groups, affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, manipulate gender relations to gain local support. By blending continuity and disruption with traditional social practices, these groups leverage gender roles in Fulani communities in the Liptako-Gourma region (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso). Using ethnographic methodology and interviews, the authors analyze how jihadist governance adapts marriage norms, domestic roles, and dress codes. They conclude that the integration of these groups into the social fabric relies on their ability to reproduce or reshape existing gender practices.

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

This article examines the severe crises affecting the Central Sahel countries (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger). It highlights the failures of public policies, increasing poverty, and rapid population growth. Ethnic conflicts, food insecurity, and climate change amplify tensions, with declining agricultural yields and escalating demographic pressures. The rise of jihadist movements and foreign interventions further undermine governance, leaving states increasingly fragile. Gravellini advocates for regional strategies to address these crises and promote universal values such as human rights. However, he predicts that a complete collapse of the Sahel is likely, threatening global stability.

Politics, Political party, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Education, Development, Gold, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

This communication aims to analyze the cross-border migrations of women traders in sub-Saharan Africa. To carry out this study, we used a qualitative methodology comprising a semi-structured interview guide addressed to a number of 42 people, with 6 respondents per country. The approaches that are: historical, informality, comprehensive of Max Weber and the comparative method of Durkheim Émile were used for theoretical illumination. It follows from this study that cross-border migrations of women traders constitute a survival strategy and a fight against unemployment. In addition, they weaken the macroeconomy by promoting the flourishing of the informal economy. Thus, they allow the greatest number of vulnerable households to survive.

Political party, Migration, Boundary, Gender, Natural ressources, Education, Gold, Women, Trade, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

Warrantage is currently expanding in several Sahel countries. It is a credit-storage mechanism implemented by a farmers' organization in collaboration with a financial institution. The process involves storing a portion of the harvested cereals in a warehouse for a few months in exchange for an individual loan. Without this credit system, farmers tend to sell their cereals immediately after harvest to repay debts or meet their basic needs. Consequences: Families subsequently struggle to bridge the "hunger gap"—the transitional period between the depletion of stocks and the next harvest—and face challenges in investing in their agricultural production systems. An impact assessment conducted in western Burkina Faso shows that warrantage increases food availability during the hunger gap and strengthens agricultural investment and production. To accelerate its development, three conditions must be met: Access to suitable storage infrastructure, Assurance of the quality of stored products, and Establishment of strong trust-based relationships between financial institutions, producer organizations, and traders. This last condition is being undermined by the expansion of armed conflicts in the Sahel.

Governance, Agriculture, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Development, Gold, Human security, Rural Areas, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production