The article "The Return of the Silent Force to Power in West Africa" by Bah Traoré, published on August 3, 2023, on WATHI, analyzes the resurgence of military coups in West Africa, particularly in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. These events echo the 1970s and 1980s, characterized by frequent coups. The author notes that the democratic transition initiated in the 1990s did not meet the populations' expectations regarding governance and reducing inequalities. In Niger, despite a relatively stable security situation compared to its neighbors, the military seized power, citing reasons similar to those in Mali and Burkina Faso. Niger has become a strategic base for Western countries in the fight against terrorism, while diversifying its partnerships, notably with Turkey for the acquisition of military drones.

Governance, Terrorism, Military activity, Coup d'État

The article "Security in the Gulf of Guinea Tested by the 'Great Overflow'" examines the security challenges arising from massive migrations from the Sahel to the Gulf of Guinea countries. This migration, driven by uncontrolled demographics and environmental degradation, leads to tensions related to land ownership, ethnic and religious balances, and the exploitation of natural resources. The newcomers, often impoverished and poorly educated, struggle to integrate with local populations, exacerbating social tensions. The article also criticizes the inaction of international organizations, such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in addressing this crisis. It warns that this situation could further destabilize the region, already facing significant security challenges

Migration, Security, Conflict, Démographie

The article "Le Niger, nouvelle zone grise saharo-sahélienne" examines Niger's situation, facing political, economic, and security challenges. Despite apparent stability, the country experiences internal political tensions, an economy reliant on international aid, and under-exploited natural resources. Rapid population growth exacerbates difficulties, with one of the highest birth rates globally. Public services, particularly in education and health, are inadequate, increasing population vulnerability. Niger confronts growing security threats, including Sahelian terrorism and forced population movements. These combined factors position Niger as a Saharan-Sahelian "grey zone," where state fragility and multiple crises threaten regional stability.

Politics, Security, Vulnerability, Threat, Instabilité

The policy brief "Possible Approaches to Address Deteriorating France-Africa Relations" explores the decline in relations between France and several African countries, particularly in the Sahel. These tensions stem from paternalistic policies and the colonial legacy, exacerbated by recent crises, such as the expulsion of ambassadors and the withdrawal of French troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The article advocates breaking away from variable-geometry diplomacy and securitized approaches while promoting a decolonial perspective on bilateral relations. It highlights the need to reform diplomatic practices, support local citizen movements, and implement inclusive policies to rebuild trust. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of repatriating cultural artifacts and fully acknowledging the colonial legacy.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Cooperation, Dialogue, Information

Le policy brief "Approches possibles pour améliorer les relations France-Afrique" examine la dégradation des relations entre la France et plusieurs pays africains, notamment au Sahel. Ces tensions découlent de politiques paternalistes et de l’héritage colonial, aggravés par des crises récentes comme les expulsions d’ambassadeurs et le retrait des troupes françaises de pays comme le Mali, le Burkina Faso et le Niger. L'article recommande de rompre avec la diplomatie à géométrie variable et les approches sécuritaires, tout en promouvant une vision décoloniale des relations bilatérales. Il met en avant la nécessité de réformer les pratiques diplomatiques, de soutenir les mouvements citoyens locaux, et d’engager des politiques inclusives pour restaurer la confiance. Enfin, il souligne l'importance de restituer les œuvres culturelles et de reconnaître pleinement l'héritage colonial.

Power, State, Security, Conflict, Human security, Influence, Cooperation, Threat, Dialogue, Information

This text analyzes citizen participation in public security policies in Niger and Burkina Faso. It shows that this citizen involvement in security governance has been shaped by the dynamics of political regimes and their international relations. As an instrument of political regulation, citizen participation thus appears as a privileged site of observation of power struggles and the creation of public action in states under aid regimes. The analysis proves to be very fruitful under the prism of the logic of extraversion that characterizes public action in Africa.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Human security, Social, Researh, Knowlege production

The book "Women's Social Movements in Senegal", written by the late Dr. Ndèye Sokhna Guèye, explores the evolution of women's movements in Senegal. Despite their demographic weight, Senegalese women remain marginalized in key sectors of the economy, often less educated and confined to the informal sector. They are particularly vulnerable to economic and political crises. On the socio-political level, they suffer various forms of violence and are underrepresented in decision-making bodies. The book analyzes how women's social movements emerged to challenge these inequalities, drawing on case studies and academic references.

Politics, Political party, Gender, Justice, Education, Social, Women, Researh, Knowlege production, Marginalisation

The article "Digital Security in Niger" published in December 2021 by Agir Ensemble pour les Droits Humains (AEDH) examines the evolution of Niger's political, legal, and technological framework regarding digital matters. Since 2013, the country has organized forums on internet governance and established the National Agency for the Information Society (ANSI) in 2017, aiming to promote universal access to ICT. However, concerns have arisen about the repression of civil society, notably with the 2019-33 law on cybercrime, whose Article 31 penalizes the dissemination of data disturbing public order. This legislation has been used to target human rights defenders and journalists. Additionally, the 2020-19 law authorizes the interception of electronic communications, raising issues regarding privacy rights. Despite technological advancements, challenges remain in protecting digital rights and freedom of expression.

Security, Human Rights, Numérique, Cybercriminalité

The interview with Solange Marie Odile Mbaye Diouf, a health socio-anthropologist, discusses youth participation in promoting human rights in Senegal. She notes progress, including the establishment of structures dedicated to adolescents and increased youth involvement in decision-making processes. However, challenges remain, such as limited access to services and information, especially in rural areas, and sociocultural norms that hinder youth participation. Ms. Diouf recommends raising awareness about regional commissions and structures, encouraging youth to educate themselves on national and international texts and mechanisms, and ensuring effective implementation of laws by the state. She also calls for better organization of civil society to promote human rights.

Human Rights, Civil Society, Santé sexuelle