In response to the worsening crisis in the Sahel—characterized by increased violence, mass population displacements, and the closure of thousands of schools—the Sahelian civil society, supported by international partners, launched the Citizen Coalition for the Sahel. This initiative aims to promote an inclusive, people-centered approach to resolving ongoing conflicts. The coalition is structured around four citizen pillars: the protection of civilians, the fight against impunity, addressing humanitarian emergencies, and promoting sustainable political solutions. It calls for close collaboration between states, international organizations, and local communities, particularly in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, to restore trust between populations and their governments and to build lasting peace.

Governance, Peace, Justice, Crisis management, Crise humanitaire

This Policy Brief from the Gorée Institute examines the root causes of state fragility in the Sahel (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger) and outlines practical strategies for rebuilding resilient institutions. It highlights the dominance of the executive branch, institutional weaknesses, lack of political legitimacy, social inequalities, climate change, and insecurity as core drivers of collapse. The brief proposes a comprehensive reform agenda focused on democratic governance (institutional balance, judicial independence) and good governance (decentralization, transparency, and poverty reduction). It emphasizes the need for an integrated approach combining institutional reform, inclusive development, regional cooperation, and citizen engagement to restore state legitimacy and stability in the Sahel.

Politics, Political party, Power, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Gold, Human security, Social, Institution

The joint pastoral surveillance bulletin by Action Contre la Faim (ACF) and Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgium (VSF-B) for February–March 2025 reports an overall satisfactory pastoral situation in Niger. Pastures remain widely available, surface water is sufficient, and markets are accessible. However, livestock body condition has slightly declined and suspected cases of animal diseases persist, though less than in previous periods. Prices of livestock and cereals have decreased, leading to a mild deterioration in terms of trade for herders. Incidents of bushfires, livestock thefts, and inter-community conflicts have also declined. The report recommends increased vaccination, awareness campaigns on transhumance, and better youth engagement to sustainably manage pastoral resources. Efforts should focus on improving disease surveillance, supporting pastoral markets, and sharing strategic information across communities.

State, Boundary, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Education, Gold, Information, Marché

The infographic “Are Mobile Public Services a Solution for the Sahel?” summarizes a multi-country study conducted in Fada N’Gourma (Burkina Faso), Gao (Mali), and Hodh El Chargui (Mauritania). The research explores the challenges faced by underserved or excluded populations in accessing public services due to geographical, economic, structural, cultural, and psychological distances. The study reveals limited public service coverage in peripheral areas, heightened mistrust of the state under insecurity, but also a widespread demand for its return. Promising local innovations include multi-service market hubs, rural FM radio stations, and a decentralized infrastructure failure alert system. While critiques often target frontline agents, the state itself remains a symbol of legitimate authority. The study combines mapping, 441 interviews, and 21 focus groups in 22 localities across the three countries.

Power, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Education, Gold, Public Administration, Human security, Social, Customs

This study examines the labor market inclusion of young Nigeriens (18-35 years old), focusing on gender and poverty dynamics. It reveals that largely underemployed youth rely heavily on informal self-employment, with limited income security and restricted access to productive assets. The high cost of education significantly hinders labor market integration, particularly for the poorest. Migration is perceived as an opportunity, but it is often too costly and risky. Young women, particularly vulnerable, are increasingly entering the labor market to support their families, despite rigid gender norms. Changing social norms, community initiatives (such as tontines and support groups), and NGO support are key factors in youth inclusion. The report emphasizes the importance of accessible and relevant training and highlights how Niger's sociopolitical context shapes poverty trajectories and youth labor market participation.

Politics, Political party, Inequality, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Gold, Poverty, EMPLOYMENT

The study on traditional justice in the Sahel, carried out in two phases (2020 and 2022), analyzes the articulation between customary and state justice systems for better access to justice. It highlights the growing support of populations, including young people, for traditional justice, in the face of mistrust of formal justice, often perceived as inaccessible or inequitable. The study is based on a comparative and multidisciplinary approach, with a particular focus on the rights of women and children. The results show that customary systems, although legitimate in the eyes of the populations, have limitations, particularly in the protection of human rights. The study proposes a hybrid model integrating customary, religious, and formal justice to improve access to justice. Finally, it recommends the transcription of customary rules and awareness-raising on human rights to strengthen their complementarity with formal justice.

Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Political Violence, Gold, Violence, Customs, Threat, Researh, Knowlege production

The article “On the Unborn Fulani: Slavery, Jihad, and Human Rights in Central Mali,” written by Gilles Holder, analyzes the persistence of power relations and descent-based slavery in the hybrid conflict in central Mali since 2015. It highlights the link between 18th- and 19th-century Fulani jihads, the creation of Islamic states based on a slave economy, and contemporary dynamics of social and political revolt. The article emphasizes that the emancipation of slave descendants remains limited by secular logics of land and economic domination by former Fulani aristocracies. It also explores how current jihadist demands integrate social aspirations for emancipation. Finally, it questions the effectiveness of human rights instruments in addressing these deep-rooted inequalities.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Justice, Jihad, Terrorism, Gold, Social, Threat

The study “The Women, Peace, and Security Agenda in Chad: The Case of the Lac and Ouaddaï Provinces” examines the implementation of UN Resolution 1325 in Chad. Despite the adoption of the National Action Plan (NAP) in January 2023, its implementation remains slow, particularly in the Lac and Ouaddaï provinces. The study highlights the role of women in local mediation, often limited to internal conflicts, while their participation in national peace negotiations is minimal. Gender-based violence remains a major problem, exacerbated by social norms and a lack of institutional coordination. Women’s organizations play a crucial role, but their efforts are fragmented. The study recommends strengthening local initiatives, improving coordination among stakeholders, and raising awareness to ensure the meaningful inclusion of women in peace processes.

Gender, Natural ressources, Security, Peace, Justice, Political Violence, Gold, Human security, Violence, Threat

The study "The Women, Peace, and Security Agenda in Chad: The Case of the Lac and Ouaddaï Provinces" analyzes the implementation of UN Resolution 1325 in Chad. Adopted in January 2023, the National Action Plan (NAP) is struggling to be implemented, particularly in the Lac and Ouaddaï provinces. The study highlights the role of women in local mediation, often limited to domestic conflicts, while their participation in national peace negotiations remains marginal. Gender-based violence remains a major issue, hampered by social norms and a lack of institutional coordination. Women's organizations play a key role, but their actions remain fragmented. The study recommends strengthening local initiatives, improving coordination between stakeholders, and raising awareness to truly integrate women into the peace process.

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