The article emphasizes the need to strengthen democratic institutions in West Africa to counter hyper-presidentialism, characterized by an excessive concentration of executive power. This centralization weakens the separation of powers, undermines accountability, and fosters authoritarianism and corruption. The author recalls Barack Obama's 2009 statement that Africa needs strong institutions rather than strongmen, highlighting that democratic systems, though imperfect, better guarantee citizens' fundamental rights. Therefore, it is crucial to build robust institutional structures that transcend individuals and political parties to preserve democracy and the rule of law.

Political Power, Bribery, Governance, Democracy, Institution

The article examines the importance of motorcycles in conflicts in the Sahel, where they serve as a crucial means of transport for local populations as well as armed groups. The report highlights the role of motorcycles in the rapid mobility of jihadist groups such as JNIM and the Islamic State in the Sahel, facilitating attacks and withdrawals. Theft, smuggling, and informal acquisition of motorcycles contribute to regional instability. It is recommended that regulations on their sale, importation, and traceability be strengthened to limit their use by non-state actors.

Governance, Security, Groupes armés non étatiques

The World Bank’s June 2022 report on the G5 Sahel (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger) highlights that these economically fragile countries face challenges such as political instability, growing insecurity, uncontrolled urbanization, declining agricultural productivity, and a food crisis affecting millions of people. Climate change is exacerbating these vulnerabilities, increasing migration and social exclusion. However, the region has untapped assets, including a growing young population and renewable energy resources. Smart climate investments and strengthening policies and institutions could improve resilience to the impacts of climate change and avoid carbon-intensive growth. A stronger state presence is crucial to improve the quality of services, especially in the post-COVID context and in the face of supply chain disruptions due to the Russia-Ukraine crisis. A green and resilient Sahel requires accumulated commitment from states at all levels

Governance, Agriculture, Food security, Urbanisation, Crisis, Insécurité

This article draws on data collected over the course of two decades to examine the role of youth mobility in the ways a rural Senegalese community has adapted to ecological, economic and socio-cultural change. Temporary migration has become a veritable stepping stone in the life of most young men and women in the community. It provides for more diversified family resources given the inability of farming to cover essentials and the new needs of youth avid for modernity. Types of migration have also evolved, notably because of increased education; mobility has further transformed cross-generational and gender relations. Migration is rooted in the strategies of many families and appears to be a resilience factor in a context of multifaceted change.

Culture, Migration, Gender, Natural ressources, Education, Youth, Family, Gold, Rural Areas, Social, EMPLOYMENT

The article "Mauritania: A Security Exception in the Sahelian Landscape" examines Mauritania's stability amidst growing insecurity in the Sahel. Since 2011, the country has not experienced any terrorist attacks, in contrast to its neighbors. This situation results from a multidimensional strategy, notably the judicious use of the religious factor. Mauritania enjoys a reputation for piety recognized in the Muslim world, which has prevented the state from being easily labeled as "takfir" by armed groups, thus legitimizing violence against it. This reputation has also served as a basis for internal religious dialogue, often cited as an example in the region, including a prison component to combat jihadism. Between 2009 and 2013, measures of social strictness, such as the closure of bars and the Israeli embassy, have reinforced this approach. The article also mentions the "pact thesis," suggesting that Mauritania is spared in exchange for discreet financial support, although this theory remains debated. Finally, Islam is presented as an essential vector of national cohesion, mitigating community tensions and persistent social inequalities.

Security, Jihad, Social cohesion

The World Bank Group’s Sahel Education White Paper (December 2021) highlights the central role of education for the region’s economic and human development. Each year of education increases incomes by 7% to 15%, while gender inequality and early marriage are particularly acute. Although primary school enrollment doubled and secondary school enrollment tripled between 2005 and 2018, challenges remain: low quality of education, high population growth, and high dropout rates. More than 40% of school-age children are not in school. Improving the quality and access to education is essential to sustainably lift people out of poverty.

Inequality, Gender, Education, Poverty, Démographie

Burkina Faso is facing a severe food crisis, exacerbated by violence perpetrated by armed groups that have displaced nearly one and a half million people, mainly women and children. This situation has led to widespread food insecurity, jeopardizing the health and survival of many families. Terre des hommes (Tdh) is responding by providing emergency aid while continuing its actions aimed at strengthening the resilience of affected populations. The organization is setting up health and nutrition programs for children and mothers, offering psychosocial support to victims of violence, and working to improve sanitation conditions and access to drinking water. Tdh is also working with local communities to develop sustainable solutions to this humanitarian crisis.

Governance, Agriculture, Pastoralism, Natural ressources, Food security, Women, Health, Violence

Niger faces a dual threat: jihadist attacks and corruption within its army. Armed groups operate in the east and west, severely testing defense forces. Simultaneously, corruption scandals tarnish military credibility. In May 2020, a fallen soldier's posthumous letter condemned the war's transformation into a "business." An audit by the General Inspectorate of the Armed Forces revealed that between 2014 and 2019, approximately 76 billion CFA francs (116 million euros) were embezzled in arms contracts, accounting for nearly 45% of the annual defense budget. This undermines the effectiveness of counterterrorism efforts and highlights the urgent need for reforms to restore trust and strengthen national security.

State, Bribery, Conflict, Jihad, Military activity, Violence, Crisis

WATHI’s article highlights the growing risks of the Sahel becoming a proxy war theatre, where foreign powers clash to defend their strategic interests. In a context of multiple crises – insecurity, poverty and political instability – the region attracts international actors with divergent agendas, including Russia, China, the United States and the European Union. These interventions, often disguised as aid or partnerships, exacerbate local tensions and divisions between Sahelian countries. Geopolitical rivalries risk aggravating regional fragility and diverting attention from the real challenges: economic development, governance and sustainable security. The article calls for concerted action by Sahelian states to preserve their sovereignty and avoid the instrumentalization of their territories. It also advocates strengthened regional cooperation and balanced partnerships to build lasting peace and respond to human needs.

Sovereignty, Governance, Security, Conflict, Poverty, Crisis