This article by Tin Kapetanovic examines the expansion of Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) across the Sahara-Sahel through the criminological concept of “transplantation.” It argues that JNIM’s relocation was shaped by both push and pull factors. Push factors included military pressure in northern Mali after France’s Operation Serval (2013) and competition with rival groups such as the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara. Pull factors encompassed weak state authority, ethnic tensions (notably between Fulani herders and Dogon farmers), economic opportunities from artisanal gold mining and smuggling routes, and Mopti’s strategic location. JNIM embedded itself locally by integrating traditional leaders, intermarrying, providing security and services, and establishing Sharia-based governance. Nonetheless, its expansion faced resistance from community self-defense militias and heightened counterterrorism operations by Malian and international forces. Applying the transplantation framework highlights JNIM’s deliberate organizational adaptation and environmental exploitation, offering insights beyond ideology or networks

Governance, Security, Terrorism, Extremism

This article examines the use of artificial intelligence techniques to predict interstate armed conflicts in West Africa. Using a comprehensive dataset spanning 1981–2018 and covering 16 countries in the region, the authors tested three machine learning models: random forest, logistic regression, and decision tree. Findings indicate that the random forest model performs best (98% accuracy, 83% recall). The most relevant predictors of conflict are differences in democracy levels and shared borders, while military expenditures prove less influential. The study highlights elevated risks for certain dyads, such as Guinea–Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast–Burkina Faso. By demonstrating the effectiveness of predictive models, this research contributes to the development of early warning systems for conflict prevention. However, it also stresses the limitations due to data imbalance and the need for continuous updates to enhance forecasting accuracy.

State, Security, Peace, Conflict, Political Violence, Education, Threat, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production, Intelligence artificielle

The article “Climate adaptation of millet and sorghum varieties in North‑Eastern Senegal: cross‑referencing rainfall, thermal and phenological parameters” evaluates the performance of several millet (Souna 3, ICTP 8203, GB 8735, Gawane, Chakti) and sorghum (CE 180‑33, Payenne, Golobé) varieties under local climatic constraints—rainfall deficits and thermal stress—in three study zones: Podor, Matam, and Linguère. Analysis of long-term precipitation and temperature data shows a clear decline in rainfall since the 1970s alongside increased thermal constraints. Millet Chakti and ICTP 8203 emerge as notably adapted to eastern and western areas, with suitability above 80% during the periods studied, whereas none of the varieties adapts well to the northern zone. Farmers also point to livestock roaming, bird pests, and parasitic infestations as contributing to reduced yields. The study emphasizes the urgent need to promote better-adapted varieties and enhance crop protection measures.

Agriculture, Climate change, Environment

The article “Future research directions for climate-sensitive social protection” examines the current limitations of social protection systems in addressing climate change impacts, with a focus on the Sahel. While vital for crisis mitigation, such programs face challenges of low coverage, weak integration of climate data, and limited resources. Based on a global review and a regional case study in the Sahel (notably Mauritania and Senegal), the paper argues that scaling up and adapting existing programs may be more effective than creating new ones. Two key research priorities are highlighted: improving climate risk assessments to better inform program design, and developing “dynamic social registries” that combine socio-economic and environmental data for targeted responses. The authors stress the need for longitudinal studies, systematic evaluations, and pragmatic approaches that link social protection, climate adaptation, and community resilience.

Climate change, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Education, Human security, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production, Protection

This study examines the sharp decline in under-five mortality in Burkina Faso from 2010 to 2021, using Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data and the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition method. Findings indicate that under-five mortality dropped from 128 per 1,000 live births in 2010 to 48 per 1,000 in 2021. The decline is mainly explained (77%) by performance effects, including behavioral changes and the effectiveness of health policies, while demographic composition changes accounted for only 23%. Key factors include the reduction in uneducated mothers, wider use of mosquito nets, urbanization, and improved health behaviors among unemployed women. Nevertheless, significant disparities remain in high-risk regions such as the Sahel and the Southwest, where targeted interventions are essential to improve healthcare access and reduce inequalities. The study highlights the importance of integrating health policies with education, economic development, and sanitation for sustained progress.

Politics, Economic Development, Gender, Conflict, Religious education, Education, Development, Family, Women, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production, Démographie, Santé publique

This article offers an innovative reflection on protective knowledges, defined as knowledge, techniques, and practices drawn from socioculturally rooted local experiences aimed at preventing, addressing, and bolstering resilience against gender-based violence (GBV) in Africa. Positioned between traditional knowledge and imported models, this know-how emerges through hybridization or invention, adapting to contextual realities. It is robust, pragmatic, and capable of transforming unequal social relations. The article criticizes classical epistemological approaches that oppose endogenous and exogenous knowledge and advocates for a third, decolonial, inclusive, and critical path. Through their capacity to mobilize diverse actors (local communities, NGOs, traditional leaders…), these knowledges become powerful levers for prevention, healing, and social transformation. Global Africa invites us to recognize, theorize, and valorize these dynamics rooted in community practices.

Governance, Security, Women, Violence, Inclusion

The article “Assessing the Impact of Climate Extreme Events and Conflicts on Internal Displacement in Burkina Faso”, published in January 2025 in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, explores the dynamic links between climate extremes (floods, storms, droughts), conflicts (violent and non-violent, protests), and internal displacement in Burkina Faso from 2018 to 2022 . Findings reveal that in the short term, violent conflicts, demonstrations, and storms are associated with increased internal displacement. In the long term, only violent conflicts and storms remain significantly linked to displacement, while floods show no significant impact and the effect of demonstrations diminishes over time . The study underlines the need for effective conflict management and climate adaptation strategies to mitigate forced displacement.

Migration, Climate change, Security, Conflict

The article examines pastoralism in Nigeria, exploring its historical roots, sustainable practices, and current challenges. Rooted in Fulani cultural heritage, pastoralism involves extensive livestock rearing of cattle, sheep, and goats, using techniques like rotational grazing and selective breeding. Grazing lands and reserves face threats from urbanization, climate change, and farmer-herder conflicts. Despite initiatives such as the National Livestock Transformation Plan and cattle colonies, implementation has been limited. Pastoralism plays a vital economic and social role, providing food, income, employment, and cultural identity. The authors stress the need for stronger infrastructure, secure land tenure, integration of traditional knowledge with modern innovations, and climate-resilient practices. Collaboration among herders, government, NGOs, and civil society is deemed crucial to ensuring sustainability and productivity of the pastoral system in Nigeria.

State, Livestock, Climate change, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Development, Food security, Human security, Customs

The article “Changing youth work models in pastoralism: questioning the disruption of institutional compromises in Burkina Faso” analyzes structural transformations in youth labor within the Burkinabe pastoral sector. Drawing on empirical research (2019–2021), the authors show how institutional compromises regarding land tenure and mobility have eroded, leading to growing inequality, restricted mobility, disrupted livestock markets, and the marginalization of pastoral communities. Youth migration emerges both as a coping strategy and a transformative force, reshaping access to resources and social protection mechanisms. Amid rising insecurity and forced sedentarization, pastoralism faces a structural crisis. Yet, the authors highlight emerging forms of youth autonomy and reconfigured social roles. The paper advocates for a renewed political dialogue on development, citizenship, and inclusive institutional arrangements linking local and national governance in rural areas.

Power, Economic Development, Livestock, Natural ressources, Education, Youth, Development, Soicial sciences, Knowlege production, EMPLOYMENT