The article examines the challenges faced by young people in the Sahel, including insecurity, unemployment, territorial inequalities, and political exclusion. Youth in conflict zones often serve on the front lines or are pushed to desperate choices due to lack of opportunity. Urban–rural disparities and the failure of imported democratic models have led to deep frustrations. Some transitions, particularly military ones in Burkina Faso, receive popular support but raise concerns about civil liberties. The piece underscores the need for inclusive governance, stronger representation of youth and minorities, and holistic solutions addressing the root causes of instability. It calls for educational reform, psychosocial support, equitable access to resources, and renewed civic participation among youth.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Political Violence, Education, Gold, Human security, Social, Threat

In this article published by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and featured by WATHI on March 13, 2024, author Mahamat Saleh Adoum warns of the growing trend of kidnappings in Chad, particularly in border areas with Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and Sudan. These acts, often carried out by transnational criminal groups and unidentified armed elements, severely impact local communities and threaten regional stability. The article emphasizes the lack of coordination among regional states and the absence of a structured security response. The author calls for stronger cross-border cooperation, reform of local governance structures, and increased support for affected populations. Without decisive action, this security crisis could evolve into a major regional threat.

Governance, Security, Crisis management, Crisis, Coopération régionale

In this publication by the Gorée Institute (March 17, 2025), author Mouhamadou Naby Baldé examines the prospects for successful political and security integration following the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS and their regrouping under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The article analyzes the motivations behind the withdrawal—particularly the perceived hostility of ECOWAS towards military regimes—and highlights the community’s internal weaknesses, including slow decision-making, lack of shared vision, and leadership concentration. However, the AES remains a fragile bloc, facing diplomatic isolation and security threats. The author advocates for a reformed ECOWAS that could become a space for genuine regional convergence and shared sovereignty, while leaving open the door for a potential return of AES countries under improved conditions.

Sovereignty, Governance, Security, Coopération régionale

In this note published by WATHI on May 8, 2024, based on a report by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the article titled “Escaping Poverty: Developing the Transport Network in Chad” highlights the critical importance of transport infrastructure for Chad’s socio-economic development. The country suffers from geographic isolation worsened by an underdeveloped, poorly maintained road network. According to the IsDB, this situation limits access to essential services, undermines competitiveness, and exacerbates poverty. Improving transport infrastructure—particularly rural roads—would enhance trade flows, strengthen national integration, and generate employment. The article urges greater engagement from technical and financial partners to support strategic infrastructure projects as part of a long-term poverty reduction agenda.

Governance, Development, Poverty

In this podcast published by WATHI on May 3, 2025, Pape Abdou Ndour discusses the political tensions in Côte d’Ivoire ahead of the October 2025 presidential election. He reflects on the potential fourth-term candidacy of President Alassane Ouattara, who already bypassed term limits in 2020. A renewed candidacy, he argues, would deal a serious blow to democracy in West Africa, where the trend of retaining power persists. The episode also highlights legal challenges faced by key opposition figures like Tidjane Thiam, raising concerns over a restricted political arena. The speaker calls for a peaceful democratic transition, urging President Ouattara to step down voluntarily in order to strengthen institutions and avoid deepening national and regional instability.

Politics, Governance, Democracy, Election

This report by the Timbuktu Institute examines the growing threat of Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimīn (JNIM) in the tri-border area of Mali, Mauritania, and Senegal. The group expands its influence through violent operations, illicit economic activities (timber, livestock, mining), and ideological infiltration. Vulnerabilities in eastern Senegal—such as porous borders, youth unemployment, caste-based grievances, and the spread of Salafism—make it a potential target, despite the country’s current stability. The report highlights the resilience of Senegal, grounded in social cohesion, widespread religious moderation, effective and professional security forces, and local resistance to extremist narratives. It calls for strengthened border presence, enhanced cross-border cooperation with Mali and Mauritania, and increased involvement of local religious and traditional leaders to curb JNIM’s expansion strategy.

Security, Extremism, Radicalisation

Sudan's civil war, which erupted in April 2023, has led to the displacement of over one million refugees and returnees into eastern Chad, an area that is both remote and impoverished. This humanitarian crisis is placing immense strain on local resources and infrastructure. Intercommunal tensions are rising, particularly between Sudanese refugees and Chadian host communities, fueled by land disputes and ethnic rivalries. The presence of armed groups and the potential for regional destabilization are significant concerns. The article emphasizes the urgent need for a coordinated international response to support Chad, enhance border security, and prevent further escalation of the conflict.

Governance, Conflict, refugee, Crisis, Insécurité, Destabilization

The article explores the impact of Covid-19-related misinformation in West Africa, where social media accelerates the spread of rumors and conspiracy theories, often faster than scientific facts. The authors identify structural causes of this "infodemic": distrust in authorities, information asymmetry, manipulation of data, and social fragility. Examples from Senegal, Nigeria, Kenya, and Côte d’Ivoire show how fear, stigmatization, and fake news intensify social tensions. The article calls for multilingual, inclusive, and creative public communication involving community leaders and influencers. It emphasizes the responsibility of governments, media, and civil society in ensuring the dissemination of reliable information. The authors argue that effective communication can mean the difference between life and death in a pandemic context.

Governance, Numérique, Réseaux sociaux, Disinformation

Angeline Savadogo's article explores the shifting nature of foreign policy in the Sahel, once confined to diplomatic elites but now influenced by active youth participation. Young people, educated or not, increasingly engage with geopolitics—through protests, demands for sovereignty, and symbolic actions—reflecting a politicized but often under-informed citizenry. The article highlights the institutional void: youth centers are dysfunctional, formal diplomacy remains distant, and international norms like the Vienna Convention are little known. Social media becomes the main outlet for expression. Savadogo calls for inclusive strategic thinking involving youth, scholars, and institutions. She advocates for integrating international relations into educational systems and fostering participatory diplomacy. In the Sahel’s shifting geopolitical landscape, youth are not passive observers—they are emerging actors. Without structured engagement, they risk becoming destabilizing forces instead of constructive agents of change.

Sovereignty, Governance, Youth, Democracy