The article criticizes the insistence of international actors on the rapid holding of elections in Mali, which leads to a “fetishization” of democratic forms without addressing the country’s structural problems. After the 2021 coup, the Assises nationales de la refondation attempted to identify solutions to multiple crises, but external pressures on obscure efforts. ECOWAS, by imposing sanctions and focusing on an electoral calendar, ignores the essential reforms necessary for Malian governance. The article warns of the risk of a lasting authoritarian drift and calls for innovative and adapted solutions emanating from Malians.

Governance, Election, Coup d'État

In the March 2, 2023 article, Dr. Bakary Sambe, Regional Director of the Timbuktu Institute, examines how jihadist groups in the Sahel have transformed into networked community-based actors expanding into the Gulf of Guinea . AQMI and its katibas—Macina, Serma, Alidougou—now operate through decentralized, locally rooted structures while remaining coordinated by JNIM. They exploit local dynamics—family ties, pastoral tensions, weak state presence—to establish footholds in Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. Sambe warns against relying solely on military strategies and calls for a paradigm shift that recognizes the jihadists’ community entrenchment. He advocates a mixed approach combining security measures, regional cooperation, and local dialogue to counter extremist embedding and prevent its spread into coastal regions.

Security, Conflict, Jihad, Violence

The study explores transnational and security challenges in Kédougou, a border region between Guinea, Mali and Senegal, marked by socio-economic vulnerabilities, tensions related to gold mining and cross-border trafficking. Despite mineral wealth and cultural diversity, local populations suffer from marginalization, exacerbated by a lack of infrastructure and training. The survey highlights the importance of social cohesion and resilience to counter the risks of radicalization. It recommends integrated strategies including economic development, infrastructure strengthening and community dialogue to ensure peaceful and sustainable coexistence.

Boundary, Security, Conflict, Vulnerability, Social cohesion

The article “EndSARS in Nigeria and its Lessons for Security Sector Reform in West Africa” analyzes the #EndSARS protest movement, initiated in 2017 on Twitter, which gained momentum in October 2020. This movement, mainly led by young people, denounces police violence perpetrated by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit created to fight serious crime but accused of serious abuses. The protests led to the announcement of the dissolution of SARS by the Nigerian government. The article highlights that this mobilization offers valuable lessons for security sector reform in West Africa, highlighting the importance of civic engagement and government accountability in protecting human rights.

Governance, Security, Public Administration, Military activity, Security Management, Threat, Illegal activity

The article analyzes the security challenges facing coastal countries in the face of the terrorist threat, drawing lessons from the strategic mistakes of the Sahelian states. They favored a belated military approach, underestimating the transnational and hybrid nature of terrorism. The weakness of security governance, the outbreak of community conflicts and the use of self-defense groups have aggravated the situation. Terrorist groups exploit porous borders better than states. Burkina Faso is a strategic lock whose weakening increases the pressure on coastal countries such as Benin, Togo and Ghana. For these states, it is imperative to strengthen regional cooperation and adopt inclusive strategies to avoid the same pitfalls.

Security, Terrorism

The article "Beyond Criminality: Youth Perceptions of Radicalization and Violent Extremism in Northern Benin" examines how young people perceive radicalization and violent extremism in this region. It highlights the socio-economic and cultural factors that make youth vulnerable to these phenomena, such as unemployment, poverty, social exclusion, and lack of educational opportunities. The study also emphasizes the role of community and family dynamics in either preventing or facilitating radicalization. Young people often view violent extremism not only as a solution to their economic frustrations but also as a means to gain a sense of belonging and recognition. The article calls for a holistic approach, involving local communities, educational institutions, and government authorities, to develop effective prevention strategies. It stresses the need to strengthen civic education initiatives, promote interfaith dialogue, and create economic opportunities for youth to reduce their vulnerability to radicalization.

Security, Jihad, Violence

The report “Dogmatism or Pragmatism? Violent Extremism and Gender in the Central Sahel” examines the influence of gender roles on the engagement of men and women in violent extremism in the Central Sahel. It highlights that violent extremist groups impose strict norms on women, seeking to control their behavior according to jihadist ideology. Contrary to the received idea of ​​women as passive victims, the report reveals that some actively support these groups, finding in the application of Sharia law and jihadist governance a resonance with their aspirations. Based on empirical data collected in late 2019 in the Liptako-Gourma region, the document offers an in-depth analysis of gender dynamics in the context of violent extremism in the Sahel.

Gender, Security, Jihad, Extremism, Women, Violence