This country profile provides a synthesis of 29 studies on Chad, including 27 specifically focused on the country. It highlights four main themes: the State and democratic transition, marked by institutional fragility, power centralization, and the Déby family’s dynastic legacy; economy, justice, and education, stressing the need for structural reforms, the impact of cash transfers, weaknesses in higher education, and challenges of Arabic-Islamic education; gender and caste inequalities, with the persistent marginalization of women and socially discriminated groups; and armed conflicts, detailing Boko Haram’s recruitment strategies, the weaknesses of the Chadian army, humanitarian consequences of ongoing conflicts, and the massive influx of Sudanese refugees. The conclusion points out underexplored issues such as climate change, public health, cultural dynamics, energy, and migration.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Peace, Justice, Conflict, Education, Gold, Human security

The Mali country profile compiles 479 references spanning governance, security, peace, education, gender, economy, and environment. On governance, it highlights the democratic backsliding in the Sahel and debates around the “fetishization” of elections, while proposing alternative forms of substantive democracy. The security section (178 references) explores the organization of jihadist groups (JNIM, AQMI), their identity dynamics (notably among the Fulani), resource bases (gold mining, drug trafficking), and counter-responses (local militias, Wagner). Peace and mediation studies emphasize intercommunal dialogue, inclusivity, and the role of civil society and women. Education and youth analyses discuss girls’ access to schooling, gender-based violence, and youth employment. Economic studies examine debt sustainability, the implications of ECOWAS withdrawal, and women’s entrepreneurship. Environmental and pastoralist issues are presented as direct sources of conflict—“polycrises” linking climate change, resource competition, and insecurity. Overall, the report reflects the complexity of Mali’s crises and their regional dimensions

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Jihad, Political Violence, Education, Gold, Human security, Threat

This country profile compiles 346 references on Burkina Faso, covering governance, security, peacebuilding, education, economy, and environment. Studies highlight the fragility of democracy, the role of traditional chieftaincies, and the reconfiguration of relations with ECOWAS, France, and Turkey. The security section (136 references) provides a detailed overview of the economy of armed groups, gold mining, arms proliferation, and the role of local militias (VDP). Human impacts are underlined, including violence against women and youth recruitment into armed groups. Peacebuilding and humanitarian analyses stress the need for local approaches and alternatives beyond military action. Thematic entries on youth, gender, health, and employment point both to vulnerabilities and resilience strategies. Environmental issues, especially pastoralism, are described as “polycrises,” illustrating the interconnections between security, climate, and agricultural crises in the Sahel. Overall, the report emphasizes the interplay of local dynamics with regional and global geopolitical shifts

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Jihad, Political Violence, Gold, Human security, Violence, Threat

The "Country Profile – Niger," published on July 17, 2025, by the PASAS platform, analyzes 335 references about Niger. The document is structured around six themes: governance, security and conflict, peace and mediation, education and gender, economic development, and environment. Governance is shaped by shifting regional alliances (AES, ECOWAS), anti-French sentiment, and a dominant military approach. The security section highlights Sahel-wide crises, border violence, jihadist groups, national armies, and self-defense militias. Peacebuilding discussions include community resilience, women’s involvement, and the revival of customary justice systems. Education, mental health, and gender issues are addressed with a strong focus on youth vulnerability. Lastly, environmental challenges are explored through themes like climate change, pastoralism, and artisanal gold mining, revealing a complex intersection of ecological and economic dynamics.

Politics, Political party, Governance, Environment, Natural ressources, Security, Development, Gold, Human security, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

This report investigates mental health challenges in crisis-affected contexts in Mali, Mauritania, and Chad. It highlights the impact of violence, poverty, gender inequalities, and forced displacement on mental well-being. The study explores the history of psychiatry, public policies, key actors, and presents field research in each country. Findings reveal a high prevalence of mental disorders (depression, psychosis, PTSD), a severe lack of infrastructure and trained personnel, and a weak integration between traditional and modern care. The report recommends strengthening national mental health systems, combating stigma, supporting community-based care, and aligning humanitarian interventions with local culture and psychosocial needs as part of resilience-building strategies.

Migration, Gender, Political Violence, Education, Violence, Customs, Threat, refugee, Researh, Knowlege production, Santé mentale

This report examines the persistent food insecurity in the Central Sahel (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger), through four major crises between 2004 and 2022. It identifies both structural (climate, demographic growth, poverty) and emerging (conflict, political instability, global price shocks) vulnerability factors. Despite the expansion of early warning systems and crisis management mechanisms, governance remains fragmented, overly technocratic, underfunded, and poorly coordinated. The report calls for more inclusive, integrated governance to connect prevention, resilience, social protection, and food sovereignty. Responses remain largely reactive and short-term, while areas affected by armed conflict are the most food insecure. The study concludes that strategic frameworks must be rethought to include multisectoral and territorialized approaches, enhancing the capacity to deal with compounded risks.

Security, Conflict, Development, Food security, Human security, Threat, Researh, Knowlege production, Crisis, Food insecurity

The study “Integrating Mental Health into Crisis Contexts in the Sahel/West Africa” examines the effects of security and humanitarian crises on mental health in Mali, Mauritania, and Chad. It highlights a high prevalence of psychosocial disorders—such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression—driven by armed violence, forced displacement, service breakdowns, and social isolation. Access to care remains limited due to a shortage of qualified personnel, lack of financial resources, and persistent stigma. The report calls for mainstreaming mental health into humanitarian responses and public policies, strengthening community-based support, and producing disaggregated data that is gender- and age-sensitive.

Gender, Natural ressources, Political Violence, Education, Family, Gold, Social, Health, Violence, Threat, Crisis, Santé mentale

This Policy Brief by Sten Hagberg examines the effects of population displacement on the rapid urbanisation of secondary cities in the Sahel, focusing on Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. It discusses the strain on public services, the growth of informal settlements, shifting family and gender dynamics, and the securitisation and mistrust targeting displaced populations. Displaced persons mostly seek refuge in under-resourced regional cities. The Brief highlights political tensions around official displacement categories and promotes analysis through “practical norms” — real-life social and urban governance practices. It concludes with a call for more qualitative research to better understand these urban dynamics and support displaced populations.

Gender, Security, Political Violence, Education, Human security, Violence, Threat, Urbanisation, Soicial sciences, Knowlege production

This country profile on Mauritania reviews political, security, economic, and social developments since 2020, focusing on the period under President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani. It discusses attempts at democratic reform, ongoing challenges in tackling corruption, and the ambiguous stance on human rights. The document also highlights northern security tensions, refugee reintegration issues, and growing socio-economic inequalities. Additionally, it provides insight into the country's natural resources (gold, iron, gas), pastoralism, and environmental concerns. Finally, the profile emphasizes Mauritania’s complex geopolitical position, straddling North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

Politics, Political party, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Jihad, Terrorism, Education, Gold, Human security