Issue 3 of the journal Global Africa, entitled “Pan-Africanism, African Research and Global Issues”, explores the origins and evolution of Pan-Africanism as a political and epistemic movement. The authors, Cheikh Thiam and Mjiba Frehiwot, analyze Pan-Africanism, since the 17th century, in the service of the response to coloniality and dehumanization imposed by Euro-modernity.

Cultural identity, Politics, Governance, Knowlege production, Pan-Africanism

The jihadist insurgency in the Sahel, initially imported, has become endogenized, rooted in local and social conflicts. Jihadist groups control vast territories and impose “indirect government”, based on sharia, terror and the protection of populations against bandits. Despite external interventions (Minusma, Barkhane, G5 Sahel), jihadist expansion continued. National armies, crucial to the fight, suffer from corruption, violence against civilians and the absence of a security strategy. Local militias, often ethnic, exacerbate tensions. The use of Russian forces (Wagner) in Mali has not reversed the dynamic. A profound reform of national armies, the eradication of corruption and better security of populations are essential to counter this threat.

Power, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Education, Gold, Human security, Threat, Researh, Knowlege production

The article "Pragmatic contexts and formalist contexts. A socio-anthropological perspective", written by Jean-Pierre Olivier de Sardan, explores the distinction between pragmatic (proximity) contexts and formalist (structural) contexts in social sciences. It shows that the social sciences mix contextualization and decontextualization according to their methods. Qualitative surveys, focused on local interactions, better reflect the complexity of the field than quantitative methods, which favor abstract indicators. The author criticizes social engineering and standardized intervention models, often developed without taking into account local contexts. He defends the importance of the agency of actors and advocates a gradual increase in generality, rather than an abstract and decontextualized generalization. The study of pragmatic contexts allows a better understanding of public policies and development projects, particularly in Africa.

Politics, Political party, Power, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Development, Gold, Social, Researh, Knowlege production

The article Anatomy of “anti-French sentiment”, produced by Caroline Roussy and published by IRIS in March 2024, explores the origin and manifestations of the rejection of France in West Africa and the Sahel. He encountered popular movements contesting the French presence, notably through symbolic acts and violent demonstrations. The text analyzes the involvement of activist figures like Kémi Séba and the influence of foreign powers like Russia. He underlines the absence of scientific methodology to measure this feeling and the role of African political elites who exploit this rejection. The article insists on the fact that this rejection is part of a historical dynamic linked to colonization, Françafrique and persistent economic imbalances.

Politics, Political party, Power, State, Sovereignty, Natural ressources, Jihad, Gold, Threat, Civil Society

This report analyzes protection challenges in contexts of prolonged crises and fragility in West Africa. It focuses on the link between humanitarian and development interventions, assessing approaches adopted by AFD and other donors. The study covers Sahel and Gulf of Guinea countries, facing growing instability. It identifies challenges related to the lack of a clear definition of protection, insufficient coordination among actors, and rigid contractual frameworks. The study recommends systematically integrating conflict analyses, adopting multisectoral protection, and implementing flexible mechanisms to adapt interventions to local realities. It also advocates for strengthening the capacities of local actors and enhancing synergy between humanitarian and development stakeholders.

Politics, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Justice, Conflict, Development, Gold, Social, Crisis, Protection

This report examines protection challenges in contexts of prolonged crises and fragile states in West Africa, focusing on the link between emergency and development interventions. The study primarily covers the Gulf of Guinea countries (Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin), affected by increasing instability from the Sahel. It explores how AFD and other donors can adapt their approaches to effectively prevent human rights violations. The analysis is based on a literature review and expert interviews. Key findings include the lack of a clear definition of protection, the need to enhance coordination between humanitarian and development actors, and the importance of contractual flexibility to sustain interventions in fragile areas. The study recommends strengthening contextual analysis and integrated multisectoral protection approaches.

Economic Development, Natural ressources, Justice, Conflict, Development, Gold, Social, Threat, Crisis, Protection

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 "Tramadol, medicine and drug for the poor in West Africa and the Sahel", written by Antonin Tisseron and published on October 12, 2017 by the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri), analyzes the rise of consumption of Tramadol in West Africa and the Sahel. Initially an opioid painkiller, it became a commonly taken drug due to its low cost and stimulating effects. Imported mainly from India and China, it is often sold in counterfeit form in doses well above pharmaceutical standards. This consumption has spread in various circles, notably among young people, manual workers and fighters of armed groups such as Boko Haram. The article highlights the health risks (dependence, convulsions, psychological disorders) as well as security issues. He calls for better regulation and awareness campaigns to limit the harmful effects of this substance.

Power, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Gold, Social, Soicial sciences, Illegal activity, Médicament

The study "Security and Judicial Cooperation in West Africa to Combat Jihadist Armed Groups" examines regional initiatives addressing the jihadist threat in West Africa. The author highlights the Accra Initiative, an intergovernmental mechanism focused on information sharing, security force training, and joint operations. Military cooperation between Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso, as well as challenges in judicial collaboration, are explored. The study emphasizes limited successes, institutional barriers, and the need for political momentum to enhance these efforts.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Jihad, Terrorism, Gold, Human security, Cooperation