The February–March 2025 Pastoral Monitoring Bulletin, published by Action Against Hunger, highlights key challenges for pastoralism in the Sahel. This transition period between the cold and hot dry seasons is characterized by the drying up of temporary water points and widespread bushfires that have reduced forage availability. Nevertheless, pasture remains generally sufficient. Seasonal transhumance movements are mainly downward, but abnormal or forced movements linked to insecurity are also reported. The body condition of livestock ranges from fair to satisfactory, although suspected disease outbreaks are noted. Cereal and livestock prices are mostly rising, but terms of trade remain unfavorable for herders in many areas. Livestock theft, limited market access, and the arrival of refugees are further complicating conditions in certain regions.

State, Pastoralism, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Education, Gold, Human security, Insécurité

The pastoral monitoring bulletin for February–March 2025, published by ACF, VSF-B, RBM, and RECOPA, assesses the pastoral situation in Burkina Faso. This period marks the transition between the cold and hot dry seasons, with widespread drying of temporary water points and declining natural pastures, worsened by bushfires. Transhumance movements, especially toward the south, are disrupted due to ongoing insecurity, closure of pastoral corridors, and tensions with crop farmers. The body condition of livestock is fair overall, although some animal diseases have been reported. Market access remains limited in several areas, with rising food prices and deteriorating terms of trade. The security context continues to restrict movement, while the presence of internally displaced persons (IDPs) adds further pressure on already strained resources.

State, Pastoralism, Boundary, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Development, Gold, Human security, Marché, Transhumance

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

The article by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, published on July 5, 2023 (updated May 10, 2024), details Russia’s extensive interference across Africa aimed at undermining democracy. Russia employs both official means (UN resolution blocks) and irregular tactics (disinformation, Wagner paramilitary group, illicit arms deals) to bolster authoritarian regimes and obstruct democratic transitions. Russian influence has been documented in 28 African countries. The report highlights how disinformation campaigns, electoral manipulation, and support for unconstitutional power grabs are interwoven to sustain anti-democratic governance. This strategy weakens institutions, distorts public discourse, and undermines the will of African citizens who largely support democracy. The analysis warns of long-term consequences for national sovereignty and democratic resilience across the continent.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Education, Democracy, Election, Gold, Influence, Infowar, Information

The article “Crises and Knowledge Production: A State of Universities in the Sahel”, published by WATHI on June 26, 2024, highlights how political instability, terrorism, and chronic underfunding have severely weakened universities in the Sahel. These institutions suffer from repeated strikes, staff emigration, reduced budgets, and a lack of connection between academic research and policymaking. Yet, universities hold critical potential to understand and address crises through interdisciplinary research. However, a major gap persists between academic outputs and their integration into decision-making processes. The article calls for a shift: universities should be recognized as strategic centers for crisis analysis. It recommends enhanced investment in local research, stronger collaboration between scholars and policymakers, and efforts to ensure that knowledge production informs public policy and societal needs.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Social, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

One year after Bassirou Diomaye Faye (PASTEF) was elected President of Senegal, this report reviews key reforms undertaken. The year was marked by a transition period, the appointment of technocrats, and judicial reforms including the creation of a Financial Judicial Unit. Despite economic measures (price cuts, public finance audits, the launch of “Senegal 2050”), the high cost of living remains a challenge. In foreign policy, the government has asserted its sovereignty by initiating the closure of French military bases and renegotiating international agreements. However, public expectations remain high, particularly concerning gender parity, transparency, reduction of state spending, and youth employment. Political debate still overshadows substantive discussions on public policy reforms.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Gold, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

The Senegal country brief, published on May 19, 2025, by the PASAS platform, summarizes 72 references addressing educational, health, environmental, social, and political issues in the country. Senegal’s expanding higher education system still struggles with inequality in access and quality. Public health faces challenges such as malnutrition, mental health stigmatization, and poor healthcare coverage. Environmental concerns—particularly water and land management—are linked to urban and rural tensions. Social dynamics reflect the mobilization of youth and women’s movements. Governance is explored through political transitions, security challenges at the borders, and Senegal’s shifting role in regional diplomacy. The brief also highlights gaps in coverage, including primary education, infectious diseases, and religious healthcare services.

Politics, Political party, Governance, Environment, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Education, Youth, Gold, Human security, Social, Health, Researh

The July 2023 military coup in Niger reversed a decade of democratic and socio-economic progress. Under democratically elected presidents Issoufou and Bazoum, Niger had made significant advances in security, economic growth, governance, and press freedom. Since the junta took power, these achievements have deteriorated: a 67% increase in terrorism-related deaths, economic decline, media repression, loss of civil liberties, and decreased transparency. The junta has also strengthened ties with Russia, enabling disinformation and controversial mining concessions. The dissolution of elected institutions and militarization of governance reflect a major crisis in national sovereignty and democratic order. This regression not only destabilizes Niger but has broader implications for West African regional stability.

State, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Peace, Justice, Education, Democracy, Gold, Human security, Medias, Infowar, Information