This article examines the geopolitical dynamics of the Sahel and the Sahara, focusing on crises and resilience mechanisms. The author discusses conflicts such as the Libyan civil war, Mali’s fragmentation, and the rise of jihadists. The region is also shaped by the growth of trans-Saharan trafficking (drugs, weapons, migrants) and gold rushes. Sahelian states struggle to ensure stability due to weak institutions, exacerbated by international interventions. However, local populations demonstrate resilience by adapting to harsh environments, particularly through gold mining and informal trade. The article highlights the interplay between crises and adaptability, while questioning the effectiveness of international solutions.

Politics, Political party, Power, State, Natural ressources, Conflict, Jihad, Terrorism, Gold, Threat

This article investigates the violence experienced by female artisanal miners in Yagha Province, Burkina Faso, between 2003 and 2015. Using a qualitative approach (interviews and document analysis), the study identifies two main types of violence: physical and moral (body searches, sexual harassment) and economic (mineral confiscation, imposed prices). Findings reveal that privatization and weak regulation of the mining sector facilitate these abuses, worsening the precariousness of female miners and their economic exclusion. In response, women have engaged in collective actions to confront these injustices. The article calls for inclusive policies that consider their experiences to foster socially sustainable artisanal mining practices.

Politics, Political party, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Political Violence, Gold, Social, Violence, Threat

This article examines the interplay of climate change, demography, and land use in the Sahel. Since the 1970s, recurrent rainfall deficits and a 500,000 km² reduction in arable land have intensified tensions between farmers and herders. Meanwhile, the population has tripled, rising from 40 million in 1970 to 135 million in 2020, and may reach 330 million by 2050. These imbalances have led to increasing instability. The author advocates for a “Green Revolution” tailored to the Sahel, emphasizing energy transitions, agricultural intensification, and demographic policies. In the short term, better irrigation techniques and more intensive livestock practices are critical to restoring sustainable balance.

Politics, Political party, Power, Agriculture, Climate change, Natural ressources, Justice, Gold, Violence, Threat

This study investigates the local and regional dynamics that sustain the resilience of jihadist groups in the Sahel. It analyzes the strategies of groups like Boko Haram, AQIM, and ISGS, emphasizing their social, economic, and ideological foundations. Moving away from global perspectives, the study highlights that these groups rely more on community and clan-based structures than on international coordination. The porous borders of the region enable the movement of fighters and ideas while constraining the effectiveness of international interventions. By focusing on local realities, the study shows that these insurgencies are primarily driven by poor governance and socio-economic grievances rather than a global war on terror.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Jihad, Terrorism, Education, Gold, Threat, Knowlege production

This book delves into the insecurities and violence in the Lake Chad Basin, exploring historical, social, and political dimensions. Focusing on five key countries (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Niger, Nigeria, Chad), it examines the effects of conflicts such as those driven by Boko Haram and intercommunal tensions on local societies. Through interdisciplinary studies, it highlights the diversity of insecurities, ranging from daily violence to armed conflicts, while analyzing their economic, political, and environmental causes. The book also discusses strategies to combat these insecurities, whether military, political, or development-based. It provides an in-depth understanding of local dynamics and the lived experiences of affected populations, linking these phenomena to broader global issues.

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

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

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

This article explores state formation in the Sahel through the prism of Charles Tilly’s “warmongering” model, with a focus on the war on terror and its impacts. Focusing on Burkina Faso, it shows a dual dynamic: on the one hand, war strengthens coercive capacities and revives the national project; on the other hand, it weakens the state through its patrimonialization and hybridization. The Sahelian context partly confirms Tilly’s theories, but also reveals a distinct state, which moves away from the ideal Weberian model. International security policies and the management of self-defense groups contribute to this complexity, exposing the state to internal and external challenges. Finally, if war accelerates state formation, it also exacerbates sociopolitical tensions and administrative informality.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Education, Gold, Human security, Threat

The article from the Revue internationale des francophonies examines the importance of social bonds between peacekeeping forces and civilian populations, focusing on MINUSMA in Mali. It highlights that traditional peacekeeping operations, centered on aspects such as ceasefire monitoring and population protection, often fail due to the lack of meaningful social interactions with local communities. The author proposes an alternative approach focused on strengthening social bonds, including proficiency in the local language, humanitarian aid, cultural heritage protection, promotion of intercommunity dialogue, and participation in sports and cultural activities. This strategy aims to establish lasting peace by actively involving civilian populations in the stabilization process.

State, Natural ressources, Peace, Justice, Conflict, Gold, Social, Threat, Civil Society, Crisis