The report “Protection Challenges in Prolonged Crisis Contexts and Fragile States in West Africa: Coordinating Responses Between Emergency and Development” explores the challenges related to protecting populations in fragile states in West Africa, particularly in the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea. It highlights the limits of current interventions by development donors, such as AFD, and proposes strategies to better prevent rights violations. The study analyzes protection approaches, such as integrating conflict sensitivity, adapting contractual frameworks for more flexibility and involving local actors. She recommends adopting tools such as contextual monitoring, community protection and strengthening local justice. The objective is to ensure a coordinated approach between humanitarian and development actors for more effective protection in protracted crisis contexts.

Economic Development, Security, Justice, Conflict, Development, Threat, Researh, Knowlege production, Crisis, Protection

The article "From Oblivion to Recognition: 80 Years of Silence on the Thiaroye Massacre in Senegal" by Iris Sanner, published on January 17, 2025, by WATHI, discusses the belated acknowledgment of the Thiaroye massacre by Senegalese and French authorities. On December 1, 1944, Senegalese riflemen, returning from World War II, were killed by the French colonial army as they demanded payment of their wages. For decades, the official French narrative described it as the suppression of an armed mutiny, while survivors and many intellectuals denounced it as a colonial massacre. Only after 80 years did both countries officially recognize these events as a massacre, a change influenced by the rise of sovereigntist and anti-French sentiments in West Africa. This development aligns with France's recent memorial policies under President Emmanuel Macron, including the restitution of looted cultural artifacts and the establishment of historical commissions on sensitive colonial-related topics.

Governance, Memory policies

This report explores the impact of growing Internet use in the Sahel region, notably Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. The rise of social media users has exacerbated existing tensions and conflicts, with phenomena such as disinformation, radicalization and polarization. Despite this, digital access also offers opportunities to strengthen transparency and cohesion, and to prevent conflicts. Recommendations for a more inclusive and safe use of these digital spaces are proposed.

Governance, Social cohesion, Numérique, Radicalisation, Disinformation

The article discusses the increasing role of Malian civil society in the post-coup democratic transition. Despite challenges in governance and security, organizations like "Women and Development" help facilitate dialogue between the authorities and the people. These actors play a crucial role in fostering more inclusive and responsive governance, essential for democratic stability. Civil society thus becomes a vital pillar in the quest for a new social contract in Mali.

Governance, Security, Civil Society

The article analyzes the growing threat from terrorist groups in northern Ghana, a region hitherto spared from major attacks despite its proximity to Burkina Faso. Ghana's Minister of Defense warns of the risks of terrorist establishment, particularly in Bawku, where attempted attacks have taken place. The article explores the strategies of armed terrorist groups to gain a foothold and highlight the country's vulnerabilities.

Governance, Security, Terrorism, Groupes armés

The article “Enhancing the Political Participation of Women and Youth”, written by Mireille Affa’a Mindzie and published by the International Peace Institute in 2015, examines the challenges and opportunities related to women's and youth participation in governance and development in the Sahel. It highlights institutional, socio-cultural, and economic barriers that hinder their involvement. The author proposes seven key priorities, including capacity building, poverty reduction, improving the implementation of existing policies, and creating bridges between groups. The article emphasizes the role of women's and youth movements, the media, and the private sector in fostering inclusive governance. It also underscores the importance of the "Women, Peace, and Security" agenda and advocates for a multisectoral approach to sustainable development.

Governance, Gender, Youth, Political participation

Mindzie and published by the International Peace Institute in 2015, examines the challenges and opportunities related to women's and youth participation in governance and development in the Sahel. It highlights institutional, socio-cultural, and economic barriers that hinder their involvement. The author proposes seven key priorities, including capacity building, poverty reduction, improving the implementation of existing policies, and creating bridges between groups. The article emphasizes the role of women's and youth movements, the media, and the private sector in fostering inclusive governance. It also underscores the importance of the "Women, Peace, and Security" agenda and advocates for a multisectoral approach to sustainable development.

Governance, Gender, Youth, Political participation

The article analyzes the political-security crisis in Mali in 2012 and its repercussions on the Sahel-Sahara region. The military coup of March 2012, followed by the proclamation of independence of Azawad and the occupation of northern Mali by Islamist groups, worsened the instability. French military intervention in January 2013 helped push back the jihadists, but did not resolve the root causes of insecurity, including poor governance, poverty and transnational crime.

Governance, Crisis