Other documents that may interest you :

• International agencies report / Governance, Security and human rights,

  The Silence of the Lambs: Legal Rationales Behind France’s War on ‘Jihadist Groups 07/04/2025

  Summary :

  Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi’s report explores France’s military strategy against jihadist groups, particularly in the Sahel, revealing a lack of transparen...

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  Country : Burkina Faso , Chad , Mali , Niger

  Organizations : International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT)
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International agencies report / Governance, Security and human rights,
The Silence of the Lambs: Legal Rationales Behind France’s War on ‘Jihadist Groups 07/04/2025
Summary :
Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi’s report explores France’s military strategy against jihadist groups, particularly in the Sahel, revealing a lack of transparent legal justification. Unlike the U.S., which has openly articulated legal frameworks for its war on terror, France maintains silence, although its strategic documents and actions imply an extensive interpretation of international law. The author argues that France mirrors U.S. legal narratives by stretching the boundaries of jus ad bellum and jus in bello to legitimize ongoing military operations. Drawing on French parliamentary records and strategic reports, the paper highlights how France frames its fight as a generalized and indefinite war against jihadist groups. This implicit legal approach allows France to operate across borders and time without explicit legal constraint. Mignot-Mahdavi warns that such legal ambiguity normalizes endless conflict and undermines accountability, challenging the international rule of law.
Keywords :
Governance, Security, Terrorism, Counter terrorism, Crise humanitaire
Organizations :
International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT)
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• Academic analysis and Think Tank / Security and human rights,

  Strengthening Sahelian Counterinsurgency Strategy 31/03/2025

  Summary :

  The article "Strengthening Sahelian Counterinsurgency Strategy", authored by Michael Shurkin and published by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies ...

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  Country : Burkina Faso , Mali , Niger

  Organizations : Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS)
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Academic analysis and Think Tank / Security and human rights,
Strengthening Sahelian Counterinsurgency Strategy 31/03/2025
Summary :
The article "Strengthening Sahelian Counterinsurgency Strategy", authored by Michael Shurkin and published by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies on August 8, 2022, examines the surge in militant Islamist violence in the Sahel, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. It highlights the inadequacy of current strategies against local insurgencies employing irregular tactics. The author advocates for a population-centric counterinsurgency approach, involving the restructuring of armed forces into lighter, more mobile, and integrated units, supported by enhanced logistical and aerial capabilities. Building positive relationships with local communities is deemed essential to diminish support for insurgents. The article also recommends complementing military actions with initiatives aimed at improving living conditions, justice, and the rule of law.
Keywords :
Security, Jihad, Violence
Organizations :
Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS)
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• Academic analysis and Think Tank / Governance, Security and human rights,

  Genesis and Evolution of Armed Extremist Groups in the Sahel in a Context of Multidimensional Crisis 21/05/2025

  Summary :

  This report explores the rise, evolution, and fragmentation of armed extremist groups in the Sahel—AQIM, MUJAO, JNIM, and ISGS. It outlines the root c...

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  Country : Burkina Faso , Chad , Mali , Mauritania , Niger , Benin , Ivory Coste , Togo , Algeria , Libya

  Organizations : Policy center for the new South
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Academic analysis and Think Tank / Governance, Security and human rights,
Genesis and Evolution of Armed Extremist Groups in the Sahel in a Context of Multidimensional Crisis 21/05/2025
Summary :
This report explores the rise, evolution, and fragmentation of armed extremist groups in the Sahel—AQIM, MUJAO, JNIM, and ISGS. It outlines the root causes of their proliferation: weak state presence, social marginalization, environmental pressures, geopolitical interference, and security vacuums. The analysis reveals how these groups adapt strategically, build local ties, and exploit state fragility. The fall of Libya, successive coups, and the withdrawal of international actors (France, the UN) have reshaped the security environment. The report advocates a multidimensional response: inclusive governance, socio-economic investment, stronger regional cooperation, and engagement of traditional leaders. It highlights the growing threat of violence spilling over into West African coastal states and calls for locally rooted, tailored strategies to achieve sustainable peace and resilience in the region.
Keywords :
Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Jihad, Terrorism, Political Violence, Gold, Violence, Threat
Organizations :
Policy center for the new South
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• Academic analysis and Think Tank / Security and human rights,

  Five Zones of Violence: Militant Islamist Groups in the Sahel 31/03/2025

  Summary :

  Daniel Eizenga’s article identifies five major zones of violence involving Islamist militant groups in the Sahel. These areas have become epicenters o...

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  Country : Cameroon , Mali , Niger , Nigeria , Benin

  Organizations : Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS)
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Academic analysis and Think Tank / Security and human rights,
Five Zones of Violence: Militant Islamist Groups in the Sahel 31/03/2025
Summary :
Daniel Eizenga’s article identifies five major zones of violence involving Islamist militant groups in the Sahel. These areas have become epicenters of chronic insecurity, seriously affecting civilians and weakening state institutions. The key zones include the Liptako-Gourma tri-border area (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger), Northwestern Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin, Niger’s Tillabéri region, and Northern Benin. In each of these locations, jihadist groups exploit state fragility, community conflicts, and local grievances to entrench themselves. The article outlines how these groups have shifted tactics—moving from mobile insurgencies to localized governance and territorial control. Eizenga stresses that sustainable responses must combine security efforts with governance reforms, community dialogue, and inclusive development to effectively counter this growing threat.
Keywords :
Governance, Jihad, Violence, Insécurité
Organizations :
Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS)
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