The article "Burkina Faso: Arming civilians at the cost of social cohesion?" , published by the International Crisis Group in December 2023, analyzes Burkina Faso's strategy of recruiting and arming civilians, called Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP), to fight against jihadist insurgencies. Although these VDPs provide significant support to the armed forces through their knowledge of the terrain, their massive mobilization raises concerns about worsening community tensions and the accumulated exposure of civilian populations to reprisals from armed groups. The report highlights that, despite some victories achieved with the help of the VDP, this approach has not yet made it possible to restore peace and could lead to new forms of instability. It is therefore essential for the authorities to put in place measures to mitigate the potential negative effects of this strategy on social cohesion.

Governance, Security

The report “Regional Documentation on Education and Skills Development of In-School and Out-of-School Adolescents”, published by UNICEF in July 2023, analyzes the educational challenges in West and Central Africa. Despite significant progress over the past two decades, with millions more children enrolled in school, the out-of-school rate remains high, falling from 33.2% in 2010 to 29.3% in 2021. The situation is compounded by rapid population growth and a lack of technical and vocational training opportunities, leading to high youth unemployment. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, disrupting the education of 128 million students in the region and increasing the risk of school dropouts. The report also highlights initiatives such as the formalization of Quranic education in Ivory Coast to further integrate children into the formal education system.

Religious education, Youth, Unemployment

The article “The Sahel: a new theater for global jihadist groups? by Atta Barkindo, published in March 2020 in Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyzes, examines the evolution of the Sahel as a fertile ground for global jihadist groups. Despite military offensives against Boko Haram, the region remains a focal point for groups linked to Al-Qaeda (AQ) and the Islamic State (IS). The author explores the history of links between Boko Haram and these organizations, highlighting the growing influence of ISIS in the region. It highlights the structural causes of this expansion, notably political instability, poverty, porous borders and intercommunity rivalries. The financing of terrorism through drug trafficking, cigarette smuggling and kidnapping for ransom strengthens their operational capacity. The article concludes on the need for a coordinated response between Sahelian governments and international partners to stem this growing threat.

State, Security, Conflict, Jihad, Terrorism, Political Violence, Education, Human security, Threat, Knowlege production

The article "Tramadol, medicine and drug for the poor in West Africa and the Sahel", written by Antonin Tisseron and published on October 12, 2017 by the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri), analyzes the rise of consumption of Tramadol in West Africa and the Sahel. Initially an opioid painkiller, it became a commonly taken drug due to its low cost and stimulating effects. Imported mainly from India and China, it is often sold in counterfeit form in doses well above pharmaceutical standards. This consumption has spread in various circles, notably among young people, manual workers and fighters of armed groups such as Boko Haram. The article highlights the health risks (dependence, convulsions, psychological disorders) as well as security issues. He calls for better regulation and awareness campaigns to limit the harmful effects of this substance.

Power, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Gold, Social, Soicial sciences, Illegal activity, Médicament

The article “After the Sahelian failure, rethinking the software of French policy in Africa” by Alain Antil and Thierry Vircoulon, published on April 10, 2024 by the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri), analyzes the failure of French strategy in the Sahel and its broader repercussions on Paris' African policy. After the breakdown of relations with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, France saw its influence collapse in the face of the rise of anti-French sentiment and the emergence of new partners such as Russia and China. The article identifies several contradictions in French policy: paternalism, the disconnection between analysis and political action, and the contradiction between migration policy and African diplomacy. It proposes a strategic repositioning, based on a realistic assessment of French interests in Africa, abandoning outdated approaches and integrating the new geopolitical realities of the continent.

Politics, Political party, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Jihad, Gold, Human security, Threat

It analyzes the sudden emergence of artisanal gold panning in northern Niger in 2014, following the discovery of gold deposits in the Djado valley, in Tchibarakaten and in the Aïr massif. These discoveries led to a gold rush involving many Nigerians and foreigners seeking their fortune. The article describes the main gold panning sites and their actors, examines the interactions between the state, traders and gold miners, and assesses the political, religious, economic, social and environmental consequences of this activity in the Agadez region. The authors emphasize that, although gold panning has brought unexpected economic activity in a difficult economic situation, it also generates effects largely uncontrolled by the government, particularly in terms of regulation and environmental impact.

Governance, Environment, Natural ressources, Gold

The article titled "Links between Violent Extremism and Illicit Activities in Côte d'Ivoire," published by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in September 2023, examines the interactions between violent extremist groups and illicit activities in northern Côte d'Ivoire. Since 2016, the country has faced increasing threats from these groups, notably after the Grand-Bassam attack in March 2016 and the Kafolo attack in June 2020. These groups have infiltrated sectors such as the on-foot livestock economy and illegal gold panning to finance their operations, recruit personnel, and ensure their subsistence. The report emphasizes the importance of understanding these links to develop effective strategies aimed at depriving these groups of essential resources and strengthening regional cooperation with neighboring countries, including Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Mali.

Extremism, Gold, Violence, Illegal activity, Coopération régionale

The article "False Choices: U.S. Policy toward Coastal West Africa and the Sahel", written by Judd Devermont and published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on June 24, 2021, examines U.S. policy in coastal West Africa and the Sahel. It emphasizes that the United States has enduring interests in both subregions, with a renewed commitment to countering violent extremism, checking authoritarianism, and challenging malign Chinese and Russian activities and influence. Since the 2000s, especially after the 2012 coup in Mali, the U.S. has increased its security, development, and humanitarian engagement in the Sahel. However, worrying security trends in coastal West Africa are prompting a strategic recalibration. The article suggests that the U.S. should adopt an integrated approach, recognizing the interdependence between the Sahel and coastal West Africa, by implementing policies that simultaneously address democratic backsliding, drivers of violent extremism, and malign Chinese and Russian influences.

Governance, Security, Extremism, Violence

The article entitled “Arab-Islamic education for women: a diversity of offers and family strategies in Senegal”, written by Mame Fatou Séne and published in the journal Autrepart in 2018, analyzes the evolution of education Arab-Islamic for girls in Senegal. Since the 2000s, this form of education has experienced notable growth, with a proliferation of schools and a diversification of educational offerings. Senegalese families adopt various strategies to integrate their daughters into these institutions, seeking to reconcile religious education and socio-economic aspirations. The study highlights the motivations of families, the educational paths of girls and the challenges they face, particularly in terms of persistent gender inequalities. It also highlights the importance of understanding these dynamics to develop inclusive educational policies adapted to the needs of girls.

Inequality, Gender, Religious education, Education, Family