The article examines the wave of democratic backsliding in West Africa, highlighting main drivers : increased military influence in politics, electoral manipulation, constitutional changes benefiting incumbents, and lack of economic dividends for citizens. To counter this trend, the author suggests (1) addressing causes of military intervention particularly poor socio-economic conditions, (2) building trust in institutions such as the judiciary, media and electoral bodies, and (3) enhancing the role of civil society. Overall, the argument is that only through stronger governance institutions and better socio-economic outcomes for citizens can the trend of democratic decline be reversed.

Governance, Democracy, Institution

This note reviews the September 5, 2023 judgment of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Ligue ivoirienne des droits de l’homme and Others v. Côte d’Ivoire (App. No. 041/2016), arising from the Probo Koala toxic waste dumping in Abidjan (Trafigura). The Court found five violations by Côte d’Ivoire: right to an effective remedy, right to life, right to health, right to a satisfactory environment, and right to information. It clarifies states’ positive obligations (prevention, protection, investigation, redress), links them to the Bamako Convention and regional environmental norms, and underscores corporate responsibility under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights while holding the state primarily responsible. Remedies include establishing a victims’ compensation fund, providing medical and psychological care, and adopting legislative and institutional reforms (civil/criminal corporate liability, hazardous-waste bans, capacity building).

Governance, Security, Human Rights

This paper investigates the effect of urbanization on household food security in Mali by using both objective (per capita food expenditure) and subjective (Household Hunger Scale) measures. The data set consists of 9,782 households surveyed in February 2018 under the national food security and nutrition survey (ENSAN) conducted by Mali’s Early Warning System (SAP). The findings indicate that urban households are less food secure than rural ones: urbanization significantly decreases food expenditure per capita and increases the likelihood of being food insecure (mild to moderate). Key explanatory factors include low and irregular urban incomes, heavy dependence on purchased food, and limited own-food production. The authors suggest policymakers should target urban poor households in food safety nets and social protection schemes.

Governance, Food security, Urbanisation

This article analyzes ECOWAS’s response to the 2021 coup d’état in Guinea through the lens of the Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. The authors argue that ECOWAS’s reaction was undermined by internal contradictions and political inconsistency. While condemning coups, the organization remained silent on Alpha Condé’s constitutional manipulation, which allowed him to extend his rule unlawfully. This selective stance eroded ECOWAS’s credibility. The paper highlights the limited impact of sanctions, the shallow economic integration among member states, and the growing cooperation among military regimes in Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. It concludes that ECOWAS must strengthen its monitoring of electoral processes, enforce its democratic norms equally, and avoid double standards if it seeks to restore legitimacy and promote lasting democratic governance in West Africa.

Power, State, Governance, Economic Development, Justice, Conflict, Democracy, Development, Election, Threat

The August–September 2025 Multisectoral Monitoring Bulletin by Action Against Hunger – Mali Mission presents an overview of the humanitarian, agricultural, and health situation in Timbuktu and Taoudéni regions. Pasture and hydrological conditions have improved, but agricultural performance remains uneven: Timbuktu almost met its targets, while Taoudéni lagged behind due to low rainfall. Livestock epidemics are under control, yet malnutrition and malaria cases have increased. Over 20,000 animals were vaccinated, and health centers recorded 7,064 cases of acute malnutrition in Timbuktu and 1,006 in Taoudéni. The Niger River’s rising water level disrupted fishing activities. Security conditions remain volatile, with armed group pressure and internal displacements persisting. The report urges stronger measures in security, health, agriculture, and resilience building to support affected populations.

Culture, State, Agriculture, Economic Development, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Family, Gold, Human security, Malnutrition, water

The article examines the growing influence of militant groups, especially the JNIM, in western Mali (regions of Kayes, Nioro, Diboli). After the coordinated attacks on 1 July 2025, a blockade was implemented, disrupting transport and economic flows (buses stopped, fuel tankers attacked). The Bamako–Kayes–Dakar corridor, essential for energy supply and commercial exchanges with Senegal, is now endangered. Mali is attempting to bolster its military infrastructure (including a new camp in Nioro) but struggles to maintain a lasting presence, while the terrorists favour high-impact, mobile operations rather than permanent occupation. Senegal is engaging in mixed border patrols, recognizing that the threat, although diffuse, remains real.

Governance, Boundary, Security, Terrorism, Economic growth

The article Managing Election Violence and Sustaining Peace and Security in West Africa, authored by Professor Charles Ukeje and Dr. Wale Olusola, explores the persistent issue of electoral violence and its impact on peace and democratic consolidation in West Africa. Published in November 2023 by the Building Blocks for Peace Foundation (BBFORPEACE) and GPPAC West Africa, the paper argues that elections—meant to strengthen democracy—often fuel insecurity. It highlights both structural (poverty, unemployment, exclusion) and immediate (hate speech, manipulation, external influence) causes of electoral violence. The authors recommend returning to civilian rule, promoting peace education, reforming political parties, and enhancing collaboration among ECOWAS, civil society, and development partners. The report underscores that inclusive and peaceful elections are essential to sustaining regional stability and democratic governance.

Gender, Security, Peace, Justice, Conflict, Political Violence, Election, Human security, Violence, Threat

The 2025 Mid-Season Regional Biomass Bulletin by Action Against Hunger (ACF) provides an overview of agro-environmental conditions across the Sahel and West Africa. It reports that overall biomass production is average to good, except in specific zones of Mali, Niger, Chad, and northern Burkina Faso where vegetation remains below normal. Irregular rainfall and uneven temporal distribution have delayed the agricultural season in several pastoral regions, affecting pasture regeneration and water availability for livestock. The bulletin warns of potential rapid degradation of natural resources and emphasizes the need for continuous agro-pastoral monitoring through the end of the season to prevent food and livelihood crises.

Economic Development, Pastoralism, Natural ressources, Security, Development, Gold, Poverty, Human security, Vulnerability, Researh, Knowlege production

This article highlights the role of Professional Military Education (PME) institutions in fostering professional, apolitical African armies committed to constitutional defense and democratic governance. The urgency to strengthen PME has grown amid rising military politicization and a wave of coups since 2020 (Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Sudan). Africa hosts over 118 military schools, including War Colleges, Staff Colleges, and Military Academies across the continent. However, the mere existence of these institutions does not guarantee stronger professionalism: their impact depends on curriculum quality, democratic values integration, and robust civil-military relations. Surveys show young African officers hold strong ideals of public service, but these must be reinforced by tailored, context-sensitive training. The article stresses that not all countries require costly war colleges; regional cooperation can fill gaps. Strengthening PME is presented as a key step to professionalize African militaries and support democratic transitions.

Politics, Political party, Power, State, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Gold, Human security, Threat