WATHI's article analyzes the growing threat of regional disintegration in West Africa, exacerbated by multiple crises: insecurity, political instability, armed conflicts, and socio-economic challenges. Factors such as the military coup in several countries (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger), the rise of jihadist armed groups, and tensions between local communities are worsening regional fragility. These dynamics threaten state cohesion and regional integration efforts. Faced with this critical situation, the article calls for urgent collective action, focused on restoring democratic governance, strengthening local institutions, and promoting inclusive development policies. It emphasizes the importance of African solutions, driven by responsible states and committed populations, to avoid total fragmentation. Resignation is rejected in favor of a proactive approach to building a stable future

Inequality, Conflict, Crisis management, Jihad, Poverty, Social cohesion, Crisis, Institution

The article “Slavery by Descent in the Kayes Region” examines the persistence of hereditary slavery in Mali, particularly among the Soninké and Malinké communities of the Kayes region. Historically, slavery was an economic and social pillar, ensuring the prosperity of local elites. Despite its official abolition in 1905, hierarchical social structures persist, maintaining power relations based on descent. The study highlights that, although Islam encourages emancipation, some local interpretations of sacred texts have been used to legitimize this practice. Religious scholars, or marabouts, play an ambivalent role, sometimes perceived as complacent towards slavery by descent. This situation leads to discrimination and social tensions, requiring concerted action to eradicate these practices and promote equality.

Discrimination, Esclavage

Since 2014, the Tillabéri region in western Niger has been plagued by growing insecurity due to armed groups, crime, and community conflict. Until 2020, these groups primarily targeted local authorities and defense forces, while extorting civilians without resorting to physical violence. However, in 2021, they intensified their direct attacks on civilians, leading to a 52% increase in deaths related to this violence between 2020 and 2021, according to ACLED. Faced with the weak military presence, some communities have formed self-defense groups, such as the one in Banibangou. Although violence decreased in 2022, with 192 deaths recorded compared to 465 in 2021, instability persists. The military coup of July 26, 2023, which overthrew Mohamed Bazoum, could influence the security situation of civilians in the affected areas.

Governance, Conflict, Jihad, Violence, Insécurité, Groupes armés non étatiques

The National Strategy for Enrolling Students in High-Security-Risk Zones (SSEZDS) 2019–2024 aims to guarantee a safe and inclusive educational environment in conflict-affected areas of Burkina Faso. Led by the Ministry of National Education, Literacy, and National Languages, the strategy is grounded in INEE standards and the national constitution to ensure uninterrupted basic education. Facing significant demographic growth and frequent armed attacks, the approach is structured around three pillars: securing schools (fencing, guards, crisis management units), reopening schools in liberated regions, and strengthening the education system's resilience (training, survival kits, emergency plans). It involves coordination between state entities, local governments, NGOs, and teacher unions, using a robust M&E framework with performance indicators to assess progress through 2024.

Governance, Security, Education, Crisis

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, Rural Areas, Social, EMPLOYMENT