The February–March 2025 pastoral surveillance bulletin highlights growing pastoral challenges in Senegal. Vegetation cover remains low in the north and south, with significant shortages in Saint-Louis, Louga, and Matam. While water resources are generally adequate, pasture conditions are poor in several areas. Livestock body conditions are mostly fair to good, but deteriorate in critical zones. Animal disease outbreaks, livestock mortality, and extensive bushfires—especially in Tambacounda—are reported. Markets remain accessible, yet livestock and cereal prices, particularly rice, are on the rise, increasing pastoralist vulnerability. Cases of theft and farmer-herder conflicts are also noted. The report urges strengthening resource governance, veterinary surveillance, fire prevention, and awareness on sustainable transhumance.

State, Pastoralism, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Human security, Social, Researh

This ACF monitoring bulletin presents the progress of 56 micro-enterprises supported in Bassikounou, Mauritania, under a UNHCR-funded project. Despite a fragile economic context, some positive trends are observed: improved debt repayment (88%), increased use of personal savings, and emerging financial diversification. Agriculture, livestock, and general trade prove most profitable, while solar energy remains the most vulnerable sector. However, major challenges persist: reliance on humanitarian aid, limited access to formal financing, poor business structuring, rising input costs, and client indebtedness. ACF recommends reinforced support (training, management tools, formalization, access to credit) to ensure long-term sustainability. The strong involvement of women and the growing use of community-based solutions (tontines, AVECs) are encouraging signs of economic resilience and adaptation.

Agriculture, Economic Development, Gender, Natural ressources, Education, Development, Gold, Aid, Private sector, Funding

The Pastoral Surveillance Bulletin of Mauritania for February-March 2025 reports an overall satisfactory situation despite a decline in pastoral resources due to bushfires and increased livestock pressure, particularly in Hodh Chargui. Grazing resources remain generally available, and livestock body condition is good. However, suspected outbreaks of animal diseases, including peste des petits ruminants and foot-and-mouth disease, are reported. The bulletin also highlights the ongoing arrival of Malian refugees, increasing strain on resources and infrastructure. Market assessments show variable commodity prices, with unfavorable terms of trade for herders in certain areas. Support actions such as livestock e-tagging have been implemented. Recommendations emphasize strengthening resilience, improving animal health awareness, and mitigating potential conflicts in agropastoral zones.

State, Economic Development, Pastoralism, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Human security, Information, Marché

The infographic “Are Mobile Public Services a Solution for the Sahel?” summarizes a multi-country study conducted in Fada N’Gourma (Burkina Faso), Gao (Mali), and Hodh El Chargui (Mauritania). The research explores the challenges faced by underserved or excluded populations in accessing public services due to geographical, economic, structural, cultural, and psychological distances. The study reveals limited public service coverage in peripheral areas, heightened mistrust of the state under insecurity, but also a widespread demand for its return. Promising local innovations include multi-service market hubs, rural FM radio stations, and a decentralized infrastructure failure alert system. While critiques often target frontline agents, the state itself remains a symbol of legitimate authority. The study combines mapping, 441 interviews, and 21 focus groups in 22 localities across the three countries.

Power, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Education, Gold, Public Administration, Human security, Social, Customs

This report presents the outcomes of a regional forum held in Dakar in November 2020, aimed at analyzing responses to violent extremism in the Sahel. It highlights the root causes of insecurity: poor governance, lack of basic services, social exclusion, and state-perpetrated violence. Four panels addressed the rule of law, institutional responses, human rights abuses, and peacebuilding. Recommendations emphasize the need for a holistic approach combining social justice, human security, and the active participation of women and youth. The report calls for institutional reform, acknowledgment of societal pluralism, and deeper community involvement in counter-radicalization efforts.

Governance, Security, Extremism, Human security, Violence, Radicalisation, Rule of law

The policy paper "Social Norms and Girls' Education" by the United Nations Girls' Education Initiative (UNGEI) examines the impact of social norms on girls' education in eight sub-Saharan African countries. The study identifies four major social norms hindering girls' education: child marriage, the low perceived value of girls' education, gender-based violence in schools, and domestic labor. These norms, reinforced by economic and sociocultural factors, limit girls' access to, participation in, and success at school. The report recommends transformative approaches, such as integrating gender equality into educational policies, community mobilization, and involving local leaders to change harmful social norms. It emphasizes the importance of gender-sensitive education to promote equality and empower girls.

Culture, Governance, Gender, Education, Inclusion, Equality

The February 2025 monitoring report covers 56 micro-enterprises supported in Bassikounou, Mauritania, under a project funded by UNHCR. These enterprises span six sectors including agriculture, livestock, and general trade. Despite a fragile economic environment, there is a slight improvement in savings and investment. However, access to financing remains limited due to the lack of tailored financial structures. Entrepreneurs face several challenges such as client debt, high input costs, and poor adoption of management tools. Most businesses report the ability to meet their debts, reflecting a degree of economic resilience. NGOs and local institutions play a crucial role in technical support and financial inclusion. Nevertheless, the sustainability of these businesses depends on more strategic, long-term financing options.

Agriculture, Economic Development, Gender, Natural ressources, Education, Development, Gold, Aid, Private sector, Funding

Mauritania's "National Digital Security Strategy 2022-2025," developed by the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Innovation, and Modernization of the Administration, aims to strengthen cybersecurity and combat cybercrime. Recognizing the growing reliance on digital technologies and associated threats, the strategy focuses on six strategic objectives:​ Establish institutions dedicated to digital security.​ Protect Mauritania's cyberspace and critical infrastructures.​ Enhance mechanisms to combat cybercrime.​ Raise awareness and provide training on cybersecurity issues.​ Promote national collaboration in digital security.​ Develop regional and international cooperation.​ The implementation of this strategy is overseen by the High Council for Digital (HCN), supported by the National Cybersecurity Agency. It aligns with the 2014 Malabo Convention on cybersecurity and personal data protection, to which Mauritania is a signatory.

Public Administration, Numérique, Cybercriminalité, Cybersecurity

The article "Reframing the Response of West African Coastal Countries to Violent Extremism" by Daniel Eizenga and Amandine Gnanguênon, published on August 20, 2024, by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, examines the spread of extremist violence from the Sahel to West African coastal countries. It highlights that nations such as Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Senegal, and Mauritania are increasingly affected by the activities of Islamist militant groups. The authors recommend a multidimensional response, combining the strengthening of ties with local communities, regional security cooperation, and the development of integrated strategies that consider local, national, and regional priorities to effectively counter this threat.

Governance, Security, Violence