The article "Sovereignty means never having to apologize: the new geopolitics of the Sahel" analyzes the current geopolitical dynamics in the Sahel, focusing on the American military withdrawal from Niger. This has focused international attention on the region, highlighting the security and political challenges it faces. The author examines how notions of sovereignty are interpreted and applied by Sahelian states in this complex context. The article also explores the implications of this withdrawal for international relations and regional stability.

Sovereignty, Governance

The article entitled "Perceptions of the interventions of the African Union and ECOWAS" is a chapter of the report "The 'heads of state unions' on the ground: local perceptions of the African Union, ECOWAS and their interventions in Burkina Faso in 2014/2015", published by the Center on International Cooperation in 2016. The author analyzes local perceptions of the interventions of the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) during the political crisis in Burkina Faso in 2014/2015. The study reveals that although these organizations played a crucial role in mediating and resolving the crisis, local populations often perceive these interventions as being dictated by the interests of heads of state rather than those of citizens. This perception is reinforced by the lack of communication and transparency of the actions of the AU and ECOWAS, as well as a general distrust of regional institutions. The article highlights the importance of more direct involvement of local populations and better communication to improve the effectiveness and legitimacy of regional interventions.

Governance, Crisis management, Crisis, Coopération régionale

The Covid-19 pandemic has heightened tensions between herders and farmers in the Sahel. Prior to the health crisis, fodder shortages in Mauritania, Senegal, Mali, and Niger had already weakened pastoral activities. Conflicts in areas like Liptako-Gourma (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) and the Lake Chad Basin (Niger, Nigeria, Chad) led to the closure of livestock markets and restricted access to grazing lands. With the pandemic, border closures disrupted the return of transhumant animals, resulting in a high concentration of livestock in border areas, increasing the risks of animal diseases and conflicts with farmers. These mobility restrictions also caused meat prices to rise in urban areas and undermined pastoralists' livelihoods due to the suspension of weekly markets.

Agriculture, Pastoralism, Conflict, Food insecurity

The article emphasizes that electrifying productive activities is crucial to enhancing the resilience of rural areas in the Sahel. In Mali, where the Human Development Index (HDI) is low, limited access to electricity hampers the development of income-generating activities, particularly in agro-food processing and mechanical services. Current solutions, such as individual solar kits and decentralized mini-grids, are insufficient to meet the energy needs of rural enterprises. Individual kits provide limited power, unsuitable for activities requiring substantial energy, while mini-grids often face financial and technical challenges. The article advocates for an integrated approach, combining public and private investments, incentive policies, and appropriate training, to promote effective and sustainable rural electrification, a prerequisite for achieving universal access to electricity by 2030.

Poverty, Rural electrification

The article highlights the shortcomings of Senegal's healthcare system, exacerbated by floods that affected hospitals such as the regional hospital of Kolda and the Aristide Le Dantec hospital in Dakar in July 2022. These incidents raise questions about the funding and efficiency of resources allocated to health. Despite international commitments, Senegal has not yet reached the goal of allocating 15% of its budget to health, with only 10% in 2019. The article calls for reflection on sector governance, staff training, and adaptation to technological advances, including artificial intelligence, to improve the quality of care and meet the needs of the population.

Governance, Healthcare system

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

The article "Security in the Gulf of Guinea Tested by the 'Great Overflow'" examines the security challenges arising from massive migrations from the Sahel to the Gulf of Guinea countries. This migration, driven by uncontrolled demographics and environmental degradation, leads to tensions related to land ownership, ethnic and religious balances, and the exploitation of natural resources. The newcomers, often impoverished and poorly educated, struggle to integrate with local populations, exacerbating social tensions. The article also criticizes the inaction of international organizations, such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in addressing this crisis. It warns that this situation could further destabilize the region, already facing significant security challenges

Migration, Security, Conflict, Démographie

The article "The Return of the Silent Force to Power in West Africa" by Bah Traoré, published on August 3, 2023, on WATHI, analyzes the resurgence of military coups in West Africa, particularly in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. These events echo the 1970s and 1980s, characterized by frequent coups. The author notes that the democratic transition initiated in the 1990s did not meet the populations' expectations regarding governance and reducing inequalities. In Niger, despite a relatively stable security situation compared to its neighbors, the military seized power, citing reasons similar to those in Mali and Burkina Faso. Niger has become a strategic base for Western countries in the fight against terrorism, while diversifying its partnerships, notably with Turkey for the acquisition of military drones.

Governance, Terrorism, Military activity, Coup d'État