This article analyzes the psychological, social, and cultural determinants that underpin the normalization and institutionalization of corruption in Côte d’Ivoire. It argues that corruption is not merely the consequence of institutional weaknesses, but is sustained by cultural logics: a redistribution logic of acquired wealth, which motivates influential actors to share benefits with their kin; a logic of lucrative positions, where public offices are viewed as profit-making opportunities; and social learning of corruption, whereby individuals mimic corrupt behaviors observed among superiors. The paper also discusses the notion of imitative resourcefulness, in which people replicate corruption practices perceived as normal in the system. Based on qualitative interviews with civil servants, the study reveals that for many, corruption has become a routine part of state functioning.

Bribery, Governance, Social, Institution

This podcast episode highlights the critical role of think tanks, research centers, and universities as foundational institutions for producing and disseminating credible knowledge amid a world of confusion, polarization, and crises of meaning. These institutions are portrayed as essential in providing factual data, crafting alternative scenarios, mediating between scholarship and public policy, and strengthening democratic debate. At a 10-year anniversary conference in Dakar, speaker Cheikh Gueye showcased how think tanks like IPAR in Senegal have impacted public policies—such as agricultural subsidy reform—through rigorous analysis. The discussion also covered the relationship between academia, research institutions, and decision-makers, as well as the importance of women in knowledge-production spaces. The episode emphasizes that in times of leadership crisis globally, research and enlightened reasoning are more indispensable than ever.

Governance, Knowlege production, Institution, Scientific research

The article Managing Election Violence and Sustaining Peace and Security in West Africa, authored by Professor Charles Ukeje and Dr. Wale Olusola, explores the persistent issue of electoral violence and its impact on peace and democratic consolidation in West Africa. Published in November 2023 by the Building Blocks for Peace Foundation (BBFORPEACE) and GPPAC West Africa, the paper argues that elections—meant to strengthen democracy—often fuel insecurity. It highlights both structural (poverty, unemployment, exclusion) and immediate (hate speech, manipulation, external influence) causes of electoral violence. The authors recommend returning to civilian rule, promoting peace education, reforming political parties, and enhancing collaboration among ECOWAS, civil society, and development partners. The report underscores that inclusive and peaceful elections are essential to sustaining regional stability and democratic governance.

Gender, Security, Peace, Justice, Conflict, Political Violence, Election, Human security, Violence, Threat

This article introduces an open-access and highly detailed dataset on temporary migration in Senegal, derived from mobile phone data collected by the operator Sonatel between 2013 and 2015. It provides measures of migration flows and stocks across 151 locations every half-month, focusing on movements lasting between 20 and 180 days. By overcoming the limitations of conventional surveys, the authors present an algorithmic framework that detects migration events from digital traces and distinguishes between daily, temporary, and permanent mobility. The dataset, methodologically validated, represents a unique resource for scholars and policymakers to analyze internal mobility patterns, resilience to economic or climatic shocks, and regional planning dynamics. This approach also offers a scalable model for migration statistics generation in other developing contexts.

Migration, Conflict, Education, Election, Threat, Urbanisation, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production, Information

The article “Cameroon: Calming Water-Related Struggles in the Far North” (International Crisis Group, April 2024) examines how climate change, recurrent droughts, and demographic pressure intensify tensions among communities (herders, fishermen, farmers) in Cameroon’s Far North region. In 2021, several deadly clashes occurred over contested water access points. The report calls for stronger local water governance mechanisms, promotion of co-management agreements, investment in water infrastructure, and improved intercommunity dialogue. It emphasizes the need for an inclusive approach that addresses climate vulnerabilities and social inequalities to prevent escalating violence.

Governance, Climate change, Security, Conflict, Terrorism, water

The article examines environmental degradation in Douala, Cameroon’s main industrial hub, where poor waste management, weak environmental policies, and ineffective decentralization exacerbate social and health risks. Industrial zones such as Logbaba and Bonassama discharge untreated waste and effluents without adequate control, while local councils, legally responsible for environmental oversight, are hindered by contradictory regulations. The study highlights the “failure of corporate social responsibility” and the lack of local ownership of environmental governance. It calls for genuine decentralization, better institutional coordination, and stronger accountability for industrial actors. The case of Douala demonstrates the urgent need for participatory environmental management and effective implementation of CSR principles to balance industrial development with urban sustainability.

Governance, Environment, Decentralization, Hygiène, Pollution

This report by ADEA, published by WATHI, reviews how twelve African countries ensured learning continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic. With schools closed, governments implemented emergency measures such as radio and TV lessons, and online platforms like Zoom, Google Classroom, and WhatsApp. Despite these efforts, challenges remained—limited infrastructure, unequal access, and insufficient inclusion of vulnerable learners. Some countries, including Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, and South Africa, developed specific initiatives to reduce educational disparities. The report highlights the importance of investing in distance education, fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, and building national expertise to ensure educational resilience during crises.

Governance, Inequality, Education, Politique publique, Santé publique, Inclusion

This WATHI podcast, produced in partnership with the Embassy of Ireland in Senegal, builds on UNESCO’s 2024 Global Report on Teachers and highlights the precarious working conditions faced by teachers in West Africa. Speakers emphasize that low pay, overcrowded classrooms, and lack of psychosocial support weaken the quality of education. Despite some positive reforms salary increases in Côte d’Ivoire, special status for teachers in Burkina Faso, and regularization of educators in Guinea major challenges persist. Experts call for stronger teacher training, transparent management systems, and greater professional recognition. The discussion concludes that investing in teachers’ well-being and professional value is essential for securing the future of education in the region.

Governance, Education, Politique publique

The 2023 Economic Report – Côte d’Ivoire, published by the Swiss Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire (June 2024), reveals that the Ivorian economy sustained strong growth despite global shocks (COVID-19, Russia-Ukraine crisis). In 2022, growth reached 6.9 %, followed by 6.5 % in 2023. Inflation fell to 4.4 % in 2023, and the budget deficit was reduced to 5.2 % of GDP. However, public debt stands at about 58 % of GDP, approaching the upper limit defined by UEMOA. The report highlights the challenges stemming from an informal economy, which accounts for around 90 % of GDP, and emphasizes the need for formalization to boost tax revenues. On trade, the growth of processed exports (cocoa, cashew, gold) is significant, while imports remain dominated by fuel, machinery, and industrial goods. The report recommends strengthening infrastructure, improving the business climate, digitizing the economy, and fighting corruption to support sustainable growth.

Governance, Economic Development, Public debt, Inflation, Economic growth