The policy brief "Possible Approaches to Address Deteriorating France-Africa Relations" explores the decline in relations between France and several African countries, particularly in the Sahel. These tensions stem from paternalistic policies and the colonial legacy, exacerbated by recent crises, such as the expulsion of ambassadors and the withdrawal of French troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The article advocates breaking away from variable-geometry diplomacy and securitized approaches while promoting a decolonial perspective on bilateral relations. It highlights the need to reform diplomatic practices, support local citizen movements, and implement inclusive policies to rebuild trust. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of repatriating cultural artifacts and fully acknowledging the colonial legacy.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Gold, Cooperation, Dialogue, Information

Le policy brief "Approches possibles pour améliorer les relations France-Afrique" examine la dégradation des relations entre la France et plusieurs pays africains, notamment au Sahel. Ces tensions découlent de politiques paternalistes et de l’héritage colonial, aggravés par des crises récentes comme les expulsions d’ambassadeurs et le retrait des troupes françaises de pays comme le Mali, le Burkina Faso et le Niger. L'article recommande de rompre avec la diplomatie à géométrie variable et les approches sécuritaires, tout en promouvant une vision décoloniale des relations bilatérales. Il met en avant la nécessité de réformer les pratiques diplomatiques, de soutenir les mouvements citoyens locaux, et d’engager des politiques inclusives pour restaurer la confiance. Enfin, il souligne l'importance de restituer les œuvres culturelles et de reconnaître pleinement l'héritage colonial.

Power, State, Security, Conflict, Human security, Influence, Cooperation, Threat, Dialogue, Information

This text analyzes citizen participation in public security policies in Niger and Burkina Faso. It shows that this citizen involvement in security governance has been shaped by the dynamics of political regimes and their international relations. As an instrument of political regulation, citizen participation thus appears as a privileged site of observation of power struggles and the creation of public action in states under aid regimes. The analysis proves to be very fruitful under the prism of the logic of extraversion that characterizes public action in Africa.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Gold, Human security, Social, Researh, Knowlege production

The book "Women's Social Movements in Senegal", written by the late Dr. Ndèye Sokhna Guèye, explores the evolution of women's movements in Senegal. Despite their demographic weight, Senegalese women remain marginalized in key sectors of the economy, often less educated and confined to the informal sector. They are particularly vulnerable to economic and political crises. On the socio-political level, they suffer various forms of violence and are underrepresented in decision-making bodies. The book analyzes how women's social movements emerged to challenge these inequalities, drawing on case studies and academic references.

Politics, Political party, Gender, Justice, Education, Gold, Social, Women, Researh, Knowlege production, Marginalisation

The IFRI article (September 2022) examines the increasing fragility of African states, particularly in the Sahel, marked by hybrid governance where the state shares or even relinquishes its sovereign functions to non-state actors. This situation stems from the state's declining prominence in providing essential public services, such as education and security, now managed by private or community organizations. This involuntary delegation reflects a "de-administration" of peripheral and rural areas, indicating the state's inability to maintain authority across its entire territory. The article highlights the implications of this hybrid governance for development actors, especially those involved in state reconstruction, and calls for a thorough reflection on strategies to strengthen state presence and effectiveness in these regions.

Governance, Services publics

The article "The Democratic Backslide in West Africa" examines the regression of democratic processes in this region, once considered a model of democratization. It highlights the resurgence of military coups, notably in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which undermine political stability. Simultaneously, human rights violations are increasing, with heightened repression of dissenting voices, media censorship, and arbitrary detentions, eroding fundamental freedoms. The article sheds light on the formation of informal alliances among authoritarian leaders, fostering the perpetuation of anti-democratic practices. This situation echoes post-independence periods marked by chronic political instability. The author calls for a deep reflection on mechanisms for democratic consolidation to reverse this concerning trend.

Governance, Democracy, Human Rights, Coup d'État, Instabilité

The article "From Ndigël to Conciliation: Reconfiguring the Role of Religious Leaders in Senegalese Political Space" examines the evolving role of religious guides in Senegal, particularly during the 2000 and 2024 presidential elections. In 2000, despite voting directives (ndigël) from religious leaders, many voters chose independently, leading to the first democratic transition. In 2024, amid the controversial postponement of the presidential election by President Macky Sall, the reactions of religious leaders were closely observed. Historically influential, these guides have seen their role shift from issuing directives to acting as mediators in a tense political context. This transformation reflects a redefinition of their place in Senegal's political arena, where their involvement is now more focused on conciliation and mediation rather than directly influencing their followers' votes.

Politics, Governance, Election

The infographic maps civil societies in the Sahel, distinguishing eight ecosystems (citizenship, development aid, charity, trade union, cultural, humanitarian, local associations, religious). It analyzes their varied dynamics according to the countries and proposes ways to adapt support for local development, by integrating socio-political contexts, social proximity and sustainability.

Politics, Political party, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Development, Gold, Social, Civil Society

The report by the Citizen Coalition for the Sahel, published in June 2022, assesses the evolution of the situation in the central Sahel, particularly in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. It highlights an 18% increase in civilian deaths between April 2021 and March 2022, with 2,901 recorded victims. Armed extremist groups are responsible for 58% of these deaths, while defense and security forces are implicated in 27% of the cases. The Coalition recommends placing civilian protection at the heart of strategies, ensuring adequate humanitarian funding, promoting political dialogue, and combating impunity. It emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach that includes peacebuilding, access to basic services, and governance reform to effectively address the Sahel crisis.

Politics, Extremism, Dialogue, Groupes armés, Impunity