From November 29 to 30, 2023, the Peace and Security Centre of Competence Sub-Saharan Africa of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) organized a regional workshop in Dakar focusing on crises in West Africa. Gathering academics, researchers, and civil society actors from eight countries, discussions addressed democratic, security, and institutional challenges in the region. Participants highlighted the negative impact of crises on political stability, governance, and regional integration, particularly within ECOWAS. The workshop emphasized the need to rethink democratic models, considering local contexts and the aspirations of populations. Recommendations were made to strengthen the rule of law, promote inclusive governance, and revitalize regional cooperation to build more resilient and legitimate institutions.

Governance, Democracy, Crisis, Regional integration

n 2025, Mauritania is experiencing a complex humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing insecurity, climate change, and a significant influx of 318,000 Malian refugees and 55,000 returning Mauritanians. During the lean season (June–September), an estimated 590,452 people will face acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3+), particularly in the Hodh Chargui region. While agro-pastoral conditions are generally favorable, localized floods and high food prices are straining vulnerable households. Action Against Hunger's emergency response has improved food diversity, coping strategies, and key nutritional indicators. Despite being a socioeconomic pillar, pastoralism is increasingly threatened by environmental degradation and cross-border pressures. Stronger partner support is crucial to prevent conflicts and build long-term resilience.

Gender, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Food security, Gold, Human security, refugee, Information, Malnutrition, Emergency

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

In this interview, Mouhammad Ciss, a digital communication trainer and program assistant for open local governance at AfricTivistes, emphasizes the need to establish a new relationship between citizens and administrations to strengthen democracy. He highlights the role of social media in raising awareness and mobilizing communities, particularly through tools like hashtags. Ciss discusses the Local Open Gov Lab project, which aims to integrate digital technologies into local governments in African countries such as Senegal, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Niger. This initiative seeks to enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen participation by training young volunteers in open local governance. He also stresses the importance of developing African social networks tailored to local needs, focusing on user experience and collaboration among developers and designers to create effective and relevant platforms.

Governance, Democracy, Public Administration, Numérique, Réseaux sociaux, Transparency

Food insecurity in West Africa and the Sahel stems from structural issues aggravated by conflict, political instability, climate shocks, and underinvestment in agriculture. In 2023, an estimated 86.5 million people face food insecurity, despite a regional cereal output of 76 million tons. A healthy diet remains unaffordable for most due to high food prices and poor dietary diversity. Current responses—such as PREGEC, the Harmonized Framework, school feeding programs, and cash transfers—are commendable but inadequate in scope. Efforts are needed to modernize agriculture, improve infrastructure, enhance regional cooperation, and diversify funding sources. Market dynamics, low use of improved inputs, and heavy reliance on imports hinder food sovereignty. The report advocates for systemic, integrated governance, support to local producers, and more resilient agricultural systems to ensure nutrition security and sustainable development.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Food security, Gold, Human security, Soicial sciences, Researh

This panel, organized by Afrikajom Center in Dakar, brought together intellectuals, researchers, and civil society actors to examine the resurgence of military coups in West Africa. Discussions highlighted the failure of democratic transitions, the decline of the Baule model, widespread corruption, constitutional manipulation, and the perceived illegitimacy of ECOWAS. Speakers, including Gilles Yabi, Ndioro Ndiaye, and Abdoulaye Bathily, stressed the importance of military ethics, geopolitical shifts, and the weakening of rule of law and political representation. The debate underscored citizens’ growing support for military takeovers in contexts where civilian governments fail. Recommendations emphasized the need for endogenous reforms, strict term limits, strengthened democratic institutions, and the inclusion of civil society in regional governance frameworks. The event concluded with a call for bold, culturally rooted actions to address West Africa’s democratic and security crises.

Governance, Democracy, Crisis, Réforme, Coup d'État

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 Afrikajom Center colloquium, held in Dakar from March 8–10, 2023, gathered experts, researchers, and political actors to reflect on the multifaceted crisis facing democracy in West Africa. Discussions highlighted growing authoritarianism (e.g., third terms, state capture, rollback of freedoms), weak institutions, corruption, and the exclusion of youth and women. Participants called for a democratic renewal rooted in African contexts: checks on presidential power, independent judiciary, civic participation, inclusive governance, constitutional reform, and strengthened accountability. The event emphasized the need to rethink governance amid security instability, military transitions, and institutional inefficiency. It advocated for rebuilding a generational social contract and supporting the rise of a more participatory, context-responsive African democracy fit for 21st-century challenges.

Governance, Democracy, Transition, Rule of law

This report provides a critical assessment of the state of democracy, rule of law, human rights, and governance in West Africa. It highlights three interlinked crises: security, institutional, and health-related. Despite the presence of political pluralism, the region is witnessing growing authoritarianism, the persistence of third-term presidencies, and the erosion of institutions. Dysfunctional regulatory mechanisms are fueling political unrest, violations of fundamental rights, and contested elections. Based on country-level analyses, the report recommends strengthening the role of regional organizations, civil society, and African democratic norms. The aim is to alert decision-makers and social actors to the urgent need to rebuild a substantive and inclusive democracy in the face of current threats.

Governance, Democracy, Human Rights