The report “Dogmatism or Pragmatism? Violent Extremism and Gender in the Central Sahel” examines the influence of gender roles on the engagement of men and women in violent extremism in the Central Sahel. It highlights that violent extremist groups impose strict norms on women, seeking to control their behavior according to jihadist ideology. Contrary to the received idea of ​​women as passive victims, the report reveals that some actively support these groups, finding in the application of Sharia law and jihadist governance a resonance with their aspirations. Based on empirical data collected in late 2019 in the Liptako-Gourma region, the document offers an in-depth analysis of gender dynamics in the context of violent extremism in the Sahel.

Gender, Security, Jihad, Extremism, Women, Violence

This article by ENDA Santé highlights the worsening polycrisis scenario in the Sahel, combining armed conflict, chronic poverty, food insecurity, demographic pressure, and climate change. These intersecting challenges overwhelm health systems and constrain state capacity to ensure essential services, especially amid an anticipated dip in international funding . The piece advocates for a paradigm shift in development strategies: favoring holistic, integrated interventions, tapping local resources, strengthening community resilience, and embracing adaptive governance. ENDA Santé emphasizes the need to connect health, food security, climate action, and peacebuilding into a unified framework to effectively tackle the region’s complex challenges.

Governance, Security, Development, Health, Crisis, Inclusion