The WATHI article highlights the major challenges of mental health care in West Africa. Neuropsychiatric disorders account for 18% of the overall disease burden in the region, but states allocate less than 1% of their health budgets to them. This situation is compounded by a lack of qualified personnel and adequate infrastructure. Cultural beliefs and stigma associated with mental illness also hinder access to care. To improve the situation, the article recommends better training of health professionals, increased public awareness and integration of mental health services into primary health care.

Politique publique, Santé mentale

School violence in Africa is a major problem that affects students’ learning and mental health. Victims experience negative effects such as sleep disturbances, headaches, injuries, poor mental health, risky behaviors, and suicidal thoughts. These consequences result in economic losses estimated at $11 trillion in lifetime income globally. To address this situation, multi-component interventions involving various stakeholders are recommended. Whole-school approaches that integrate policies, practices, and values ​​are advocated. Group learning, fostering shared values ​​and addressing gender norms, as well as leadership opportunities for staff and students are also suggested. These interventions should be tailored to the specific school context and rigorously monitored. Initiatives in French-speaking Africa, such as that of the Graines de Paix association in Benin and Côte d’Ivoire, illustrate these good practices. Their program "Learn in Peace, Educate without Violence" aims to train teachers in non-violent classroom management techniques and to improve school dynamics.

Education, Politique publique, Santé mentale, Violence scolaire

The article "Central Mali: Issues and Dangers of a Neglected Crisis" analyzes the situation in the central regions of Mali, particularly Mopti and Segou, where the Fulani community expresses social and political demands that are often reduced to security issues. Faced with this marginalization, some join jihadist groups that promise justice, protection, and economic opportunities. The study, based on community surveys, highlights the root causes of the regional malaise and suggests avenues for a conflict prevention strategy, highlighting the fragility of this area and the urgency of increased attention from Malian decision-makers.

Conflict, Jihad, Violence, Discrimination, Crisis

The unpublished report from the Tombouctou Institute, coordinated by researcher Lassina Diarra, examines radicalization and the perception of the terrorist threat in the Bounkani region, located in the far north of Côte d'Ivoire. This study highlights the weak signals and multiple factors of growing radicalization, which is particularly worrying in the context of the advance of terrorist groups towards coastal countries. The data collected indicate that this region is already experiencing the effects of the regionalization of the threat, illustrated by the attacks in Grand-Bassam in 2016. The proximity to countries such as Burkina Faso and Mali, as well as migration from Niger, accentuate Côte d'Ivoire's vulnerabilities. Faced with this situation, the Ivorian government has undertaken to redefine its security policy and territorial administration to counter this growing threat.

Jihad, Terrorism, Vulnerability, Violence, Threat

The article “Niger: Advocacy for Rural Youth” highlights that, although political discourses in Niger often focus on school-going urban youth, the majority of young people live in rural areas. These young people, often illiterate or out of school, face challenges such as early marriage, child labor, and limited access to education. Obstacles include poverty, food insecurity, distance from schools, and socio-cultural norms. In addition, the lack of economic prospects makes these young people vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups. The article calls for increased recognition of rural youth and appropriate public policies to improve their living conditions and provide them with opportunities for the future.

Culture, Education, Extremism, Food security, Poverty, Rural Areas, Mariage précoce

The WATHI article examines the United States' strategy to strengthen relations with African youth, seen as a rising force of the 21st century. Scholarship programs, such as the Mandela Washington Fellowship initiated by President Barack Obama, exemplify this "soft power" approach. These initiatives provide young Africans with opportunities in education, leadership, and entrepreneurship, while promoting a positive image of the U.S. The article also highlights the importance of education and technology transfer for the continent's development, particularly in addressing challenges in the Sahel. The U.S., as a strategic partner, is encouraged to support Africa without adopting a condescending stance, recognizing the continent's potential and contributing to its digital and economic growth.

Education, Youth, Development, Diplomacy

The article emphasizes that West Africa, particularly the Sahel, faces a growing terrorist threat, exacerbated by jihadist groups like Boko Haram. These organizations primarily target youth, who are vulnerable due to unemployment, limited access to education, and lack of prospects. To counter this threat, military initiatives such as the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and the G5 Sahel have been established to coordinate regional counter-terrorism efforts. However, the article advocates for a preventive approach focused on investing in youth. It suggests that educational programs and economic opportunities for young people could reduce their susceptibility to recruitment by extremist groups, thereby contributing to lasting stability in the region.

Security, Jihad, Terrorism, Youth, Violence

The article “Malnutrition at the heart of the One Health approach” highlights the importance of nutrition within the framework of the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal and environmental health. It notes that the number of undernourished people is increasing, with 70 million people suffering from hunger in West Africa. Malnutrition particularly affects pregnant women and children, leading to reduced immunity and increased child mortality. Climate change is exacerbating these challenges by disrupting food systems. The article calls for concerted action to strengthen food and nutrition security, taking into account the interactions between human, animal and environmental health, in order to effectively address current health challenges.

Climate change, Food security, Health

The World Bank article (2021) examines the impact of climate change on internal migrations in West Africa, a region historically characterized by significant mobility due to trade, pastoralism, and the pursuit of diversified livelihoods. Internal migrations, primarily from rural to urban areas, are influenced by economic, social, political, and environmental factors, with climate playing an increasingly pivotal role. Projections suggest that the region could witness up to 32 million internal climate migrants by 2050 in the worst-case scenario, representing about 4% of the total population. Key hotspots for climate emigration may include areas like the Dakar-Diourbel-Touba corridor in Senegal, while regions in the Sahel could become immigration hotspots due to increased water availability and pastures. Coordinated climate and development actions could significantly reduce these forced migrations.

Migration, Climate change, Environment, Development