The article "Beyond Criminality: Youth Perceptions of Radicalization and Violent Extremism in Northern Benin" examines how young people perceive radicalization and violent extremism in this region. It highlights the socio-economic and cultural factors that make youth vulnerable to these phenomena, such as unemployment, poverty, social exclusion, and lack of educational opportunities. The study also emphasizes the role of community and family dynamics in either preventing or facilitating radicalization. Young people often view violent extremism not only as a solution to their economic frustrations but also as a means to gain a sense of belonging and recognition. The article calls for a holistic approach, involving local communities, educational institutions, and government authorities, to develop effective prevention strategies. It stresses the need to strengthen civic education initiatives, promote interfaith dialogue, and create economic opportunities for youth to reduce their vulnerability to radicalization.

Security, Jihad, Violence

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

The article analyzes the impacts of the withdrawal of international forces and aid in the Sahel, exacerbating an already severe security and humanitarian crisis. Extremist insurgents are proliferating, leading to mass displacement and a breakdown in essential services. Agriculture, the region’s economic mainstay, is being destabilized by climate change and restrictions by armed groups, deepening poverty and fueling local conflicts. Young people, without prospects, are becoming vulnerable to recruitment by dangerous armed groups or migrants. The article calls for local approaches to peacebuilding, integrating women and youth into natural resource management and conflict resolution, to strengthen community resilience.

Security, Peace, Conflict, Extremism, Poverty, Women

This article analyses the Sahel crisis through the prism of young people, with reference to the case of Burkina Faso. In particular, it looks at the ways in which young people are involved in shaping and implementing security policies. The aim is to elucidate why, despite their political weight, young people are not yet strategic actors in the governance of this sovereign sector. Based on actor-centred institutionalism, the article highlights the influence of contexts and institutions on their participation strategies in the fight against insecurity. The results show that while government mechanisms for the inclusion of young people produce precarious effects, the alternative strategies promoted by the latter end in deadlock.

Security, Youth, Politique publique

The article “Strategies for resilience among young people in Burkina Faso: How do they resist the temptations of violence?” explores the mechanisms by which young Burkinabe avoid succumbing to violence, despite contexts of social exclusion and injustice. Based on a survey conducted in 2018 by the Institute for Governance and Development (IGD), in collaboration with the Catholic University of Bukavu and the Research and Information Group on Peace and Security (GRIP), the study highlights the coping strategies developed by these young people. These strategies include engagement in socio-cultural activities, using social networks to express their concerns, and participating in civic training aimed at strengthening their resilience capacities. The objective is to understand how these mechanisms can be supported and strengthened to prevent young people from engaging in violent acts.

Youth, Violence

A preliminary study conducted by the Timbuktu Institute, in partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, examines the role of women in preventing and combating violent extremism in Mali. Carried out in Bamako during November and December 2016, this research highlights that women are both major victims and potential key actors in this context. They suffer from abuses such as forced marriages, rapes, and abductions, while being at the forefront of detecting signs of radicalization within their families and communities. However, their involvement in conflict prevention and resolution processes remains limited. The study identifies socioeconomic factors (poverty, unemployment, illiteracy) and religious influences as drivers of radicalization. It recommends expanding research to other regions of Mali, strengthening the capacities of state and civil society actors, and increasing the involvement of religious leaders and women in promoting peace and combating violent extremism.

Peace, Conflict, Jihad, Extremism, Women, Violence

The report by the Tombouctou Institute, in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, examines the role of religious actors in the Senegalese electoral process. Historically, these figures have contributed to political stability, particularly during recent crises. However, their influence on current electoral choices is questioned, especially with the rise of social networks and the evolution of relations between religious leaders and young people. The study, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches, reveals that while the Senegalese confer the peacemaking role of religious leaders, they are increasingly skeptical about their direct impact on electoral decisions. Young people, in particular, question the credibility of political instructions emanating from religious leaders, preferring neutral mediation promoting dialogue and transparency in the electoral process.

Youth, Mediation, Election, Réseaux sociaux

This study examines the role of religious actors in Senegal's electoral landscape, focusing on the interplay between religion and politics in a culturally diverse context. Religious leaders, influential figures in Senegal, serve multiple roles: mediators during crises, sources of electoral mobilization, and sometimes controversial actors in political and social spheres. The study highlights complex dynamics between tradition and modernity, with young people expressing mixed trust in religious leaders. It also underscores the growing importance of digital media in conveying religious and political messages and explores perceptions across coastal and border areas. With the 2024 presidential election approaching, the study offers insights into the sustainability of religious influence within an evolving sociopolitical environment.

Political Power, Religion, Influence

West Africa is facing an increasing threat of destabilization due to the expansion of jihadist groups and the geopolitical influence of foreign powers, notably Russia. Recent attacks, such as the one in Togo in July 2024 by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), affiliated with Al-Qaeda, highlight the extent of the terrorist threat in the region. Simultaneously, Russia is expanding its influence in Africa, capitalizing on the withdrawal or inaction of Western powers. This strategy is evident through alliances with military regimes in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which have recently formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a pro-Russian coalition. This situation weakens the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), already shaken by the intentions of some members to withdraw. In response to these challenges, West African authorities are seeking solutions to maintain regional stability and counter foreign interference.

Governance, Jihad, Influence, Violence, Threat