The security crisis in West Africa and the Sahel exacerbates the vulnerability of these regions to climate change. Conflicts hamper the governance of natural resources, which are essential for the global energy transition. Regional institutions, such as ECOWAS and the African Union, are weakened, compromising their ability to respond effectively to climate challenges. According to the IPCC, these areas are among the most vulnerable to future climate fluctuations. Demands for climate justice coincide with aspirations for social justice, particularly among African youth. Securing the management of strategic minerals is crucial for the industrialization and economic development of producer countries. It is imperative to integrate security considerations into international climate negotiations to ensure effective implementation of climate agendas in the Sahel and West Africa

Climate change, Environment, Natural ressources, Security, Vulnerability

The May 2023 article by the Institute of International and Strategic Relations (IRIS) analyzes the establishment of terrorist groups in northern Ghana. It highlights that the proximity to unstable areas, particularly in Burkina Faso, and the porosity of the borders facilitate the infiltration of these groups. Community conflicts, governance problems, high youth unemployment and illegal activities such as gold mining increase the vulnerability of the region. Terrorist groups exploit these weaknesses to recruit and establish logistical bases. The Ghanaian government has responded by strengthening the military presence, involving local communities and cooperating at the regional level to counter this threat.

Jihad, Military activity, Threat

The article “Knowledge is Power: Youth-led research to address power dynamics in knowledge and advocacy processes to end child marriage and promote girls’ education in West Africa” published in July 2024 by Girls Not Brides, highlighting the alarming prevalence of child marriage in West and Central Africa, where 39% of girls are married before the age of 18. Countries such as Niger (76%), Central African Republic (68%) and Chad (67%) are among the highest rates in the world. The project aims to strengthen the participation of young people, especially young women, in research and advocacy processes

Education, Women

The article looks back at the 2024 legislative elections in Senegal, marked by political tensions and an unprecedented parliamentary configuration. After the victory of Bassirou Diomaye Faye in the presidential election of March 2024, the objective is to secure a parliamentary majority to implement the promised reforms, particularly in terms of governance and the fight against corruption. The major issues include the consolidation of presidential power and the modernization of infrastructure. The election, with a mixed majority and proportional system, aims to renew the 165 seats in the National Assembly while breaking the political cohabitation inherited from the 2022 elections.

Power, Governance, Election, Réforme

The “2024-2027 Roadmap for Strengthening the Inclusion of Refugees in the National Health System in Mauritania” aims to fully integrate refugees into the Mauritanian health system. It is part of the country’s commitment to ensuring refugees’ access to health services, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the National Health Development Plan 2021-2030. Key objectives include strengthening health infrastructure, improving the supply of essential medicines, and gradually integrating refugees into the national health insurance system.

Governance, Health, refugee

The article discusses military dominance in Mali in the context of the political transition. General Assimi Goïta recently dismissed Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga following growing tensions and public criticism of the military's management. Latent disagreements between the two leaders, masked by a fragile alliance, have finally erupted. The military, although having integrated civilian figures into the government, controls all decisions. This dismissal reflects the armed forces' control over the transition and highlights the absence of real countervailing powers.

Governance, Military activity, Transition

The Mauritania country profile, published by Bpifrance in February 2023, highlights economic growth of 4% in 2022, mainly supported by the mining sector (iron and gold) and investments in energy, particularly gas and renewable energies. However, high inflation (+9.5% in 2022) is weighing on domestic demand. The public deficit reached 2.1% of GDP in 2022, due to accumulated spending to counter inflation and finance energy projects. The current account deficit remains high (-11.6% of GDP), despite robust exports. The banking sector remains fragile, with a non-performing loan rate of 22.7% at the end of 2021. The medium-term outlook is promising, thanks to the planned start of gas exports in late 2023-early 2024, which should strengthen economic growth and improve budgetary and external balances.

Governance, Economic Development

The Danish Refugee Council’s article “Education under attack in West and Central Africa highlights the devastating impact of conflict on education in the region. By the end of the 2021-2022 school year, more than 12,400 schools were closed in eight countries, mainly due to attacks by non-state armed groups, teachers fleeing or parents being afraid to send their children to school. This is jeopardizing the future of entire generations of children, depriving them of access to learning and exposing them to compounding risks such as early marriage, child labour and recruitment by armed groups. Despite the adoption of the Safe Schools Declaration by most countries in the region, persistent attacks underscore the need for concrete measures to protect education. The report recommends holistic and multi-sectoral approaches, strengthening alternative learning solutions and increasing funding for education in emergencies.

Governance, Security, Education

The Girls Not Brides report “Knowledge is Power” presents research led by young people in Burkina Faso and Niger, exploring power dynamics in knowledge and advocacy processes to end child marriage and promote girls’ education in West Africa. The young researchers highlighted the impact of patriarchal social norms, poverty and the quality of the educational environment on early marriage and girls’ school dropout. The report recommends promoting successful female role models, using information technology to change dominant narratives, and improving access to quality, inclusive and culturally relevant education.

Gender, Education, Women