The article examines the rise of the Koglweogo, self-defense groups originating in rural Sahel regions, in response to the state's security failures. Initially intended as auxiliary forces (VDP) to counter terrorism, these groups have often fueled inter-community violence, perpetuating cycles of retaliation and exclusion. Their recruitment is not ethnically inclusive, and their training inadequate, undermining their legitimacy. The author highlights the tension between the necessity of local security measures and the uncontrolled abuses that follow, risking further erosion of the state’s authority. The involvement of the Koglweogo underscores the shortcomings of poorly regulated security strategies and the complex security dynamics in Burkina Faso.

Governance, Security, Selfdefense

The article discusses the challenge of financing mass and quality education in West Africa. It begins by noting the region’s low education budget—around 4% of GDP compared to the international benchmark of 6%. The area's rapid population growth increases pressure on resources, making financial challenges even more pressing. In a virtual dialogue held in May 2024, organized by WATHI in partnership with the Irish Embassy in Senegal, participants examined the current state of education funding, the impact of demographic growth on education quality, and identified several recommendations. This “QUICK” type article is intended to stimulate public debate and inform policy decisions by presenting key insights and action pathways to ensure quality education access for all in the region.

Governance, Education, Démographie, Funding

The article highlights Africa’s critical issue: the shortage of decent jobs, especially impacting youth. Referencing data from the ILO and Afrobarometer, it reveals that up to 80% of workers are in vulnerable employment . What sets this policy brief apart is its solutions-oriented approach, offering policy options designed to enable transitions from the informal to formal sector. These include enhancing social protection, improving access to quality education, and fostering entrepreneurship, particularly among women and young people . It stresses the importance of job quality — including job stability, security, and dignity — over mere job creation. The article further underscores Africa’s demographic dividend potential, contingent on economic diversification beyond extractive industries

Governance, Youth, Vulnerability, EMPLOYMENT

This briefing addresses information integrity challenges in West Africa and proposes a context-appropriate policy framework. It reviews international, continental, and regional policy instruments, identifying gaps in digital governance. Aligned with UNESCO’s guidelines, the paper outlines minimum requirements for platform governance, particularly during elections or crises. The framework aims to promote responsible governance, build social cohesion, and safeguard democratic processes. It emphasizes the need to effectively counter misinformation, hate speech, and elevate access to reliable information as a public good. The briefing targets policymakers, regulators, civil society, journalists, and researchers working to protect digital rights and reinforce information integrity across the region.

Governance, Information, Social cohesion, Disinformation

This research paper explores the transformation of policies—legislative, legal, and institutional—related to gender-inclusive development across basic education, higher education, and scientific research in Côte d'Ivoire. Drawing on both primary data (interviews with key stakeholders in ministries and NGOs) and secondary sources (databases from ECOWAS, the African Union, and national ministries), the study finds that the coordinated implementation of international resolutions has significantly reduced gender disparities in basic education. While advancements are also noted in higher education, many challenges remain: lack of gender-disaggregated data, inadequate qualitative monitoring, and insufficient support for women’s progression in academic and research careers. The author concludes with actionable recommendations: enhance data collection systems, foster institutional cooperation, and elevate the status of female graduates in professional sectors to sustain gender equality gains.

Governance, Gender, Education, Politique publique

The Time to Teach report investigates primary school teacher absenteeism in Guinea‑Bissau—a critical barrier to delivering quality education. It identifies four distinct forms of absenteeism: school absence, tardiness/early departure, classroom absence, and reduced instructional time (time on task) . Using a mixed-methods approach—including school observations, surveys with 180 teachers, interviews, and focus groups across 20 schools—the study offers grounded insights . Findings reveal that 26% of teachers are absent at least once weekly, 23% regularly experience reduced time on task, and 22% frequently miss their classes . Self-managed schools report lower absenteeism, attributed to community involvement and financial incentives. Key factors supporting teacher presence include active school leadership, teacher job satisfaction, and training UNICEF. The study proposes policy recommendations aimed at improving employment conditions, bolstering community engagement, strengthening school leadership, enhancing teacher training, and ensuring learning continuity during school closures.

Governance, Education, Politique publique

The article “There will be no ECOWAS of the people with authoritarian states and gagged citizens,” by Pape Abdou Ndour, published on August 24, 2025 by WATHI – Think Tank citoyen, emphasizes that ECOWAS––founded in 1975––has fostered a sense of belonging among diverse West African populations and contributed significantly to regional peace and security. Yet, this anniversary coincides with troubling developments: the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, the normalization of violence, growing impunity, erosion of fundamental freedoms, and increasing militarization. The author argues that without adherence to democracy, rule of law, and citizens’ rights, there can be no “ECOWAS of the people.” The rising trend of sovereignty-driven resistance to integration is depicted as a serious threat to regional peace and development.

Politics, Governance, Democracy, Liberté, Regional integration

The article “Substantive democracy: an alternative for societies of resignation and silencing” examines democratic backsliding in West and Central Africa. Jean-Marc Segoun highlights “hybrid” regimes—whether civilian or military—sustaining power through gerontocracy, clientelism, militarization, and coercive use of law. These systems foster fear, resignation, and silence political opposition while curtailing fundamental freedoms. Recent examples include the dissolution of political parties in Mali, repression in Burkina Faso, civil rights restrictions in Côte d’Ivoire, and entrenched authoritarianism in Cameroon. The author argues that civil society must move beyond neutrality to become a political force proposing viable alternatives. This requires building networks, sharing practices, and inventing new paradigms suited to contexts of repression. “Substantive democracy” is proposed as a framework to resist authoritarianism, regenerate political thought, and offer pathways toward inclusive governance in societies where traditional democracy has been hollowed out.

Governance, Democracy, Civil Society

The working paper “Digitalisation and Governance in the Sahel”, authored by Mori Gouroubera and published in February 2025, examines the growing role of digital transformation in governance across Sahelian countries. The paper highlights the opportunities provided by digitization—such as increased transparency, administrative efficiency, and citizen participation—while also identifying key obstacles including insufficient digital infrastructure, the digital divide, weak institutional coordination, ethical concerns, and cybersecurity. It analyzes digital services in key sectors like health, agriculture, and public services, and envisions three future scenarios: inclusive digital governance, fragmented digitization, or digital regression. The author’s recommendations stress the importance of reinforcing regional cooperation, investing in infrastructure, training populations, diversifying funding, and ensuring data protection. This framework aims to inform policies that foster a sustainable, inclusive, and contextually relevant digital transformation in the Sahel.

Governance, Numérique, Cybersecurity