This report examines the persistent food insecurity in the Central Sahel (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger), through four major crises between 2004 and 2022. It identifies both structural (climate, demographic growth, poverty) and emerging (conflict, political instability, global price shocks) vulnerability factors. Despite the expansion of early warning systems and crisis management mechanisms, governance remains fragmented, overly technocratic, underfunded, and poorly coordinated. The report calls for more inclusive, integrated governance to connect prevention, resilience, social protection, and food sovereignty. Responses remain largely reactive and short-term, while areas affected by armed conflict are the most food insecure. The study concludes that strategic frameworks must be rethought to include multisectoral and territorialized approaches, enhancing the capacity to deal with compounded risks.

Security, Conflict, Development, Food security, Human security, Threat, Researh, Knowlege production, Crisis, Food insecurity

The study “Integrating Mental Health into Crisis Contexts in the Sahel/West Africa” examines the effects of security and humanitarian crises on mental health in Mali, Mauritania, and Chad. It highlights a high prevalence of psychosocial disorders—such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression—driven by armed violence, forced displacement, service breakdowns, and social isolation. Access to care remains limited due to a shortage of qualified personnel, lack of financial resources, and persistent stigma. The report calls for mainstreaming mental health into humanitarian responses and public policies, strengthening community-based support, and producing disaggregated data that is gender- and age-sensitive.

Gender, Natural ressources, Political Violence, Education, Family, Gold, Social, Health, Violence, Threat, Crisis, Santé mentale

This Policy Brief by Sten Hagberg examines the effects of population displacement on the rapid urbanisation of secondary cities in the Sahel, focusing on Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. It discusses the strain on public services, the growth of informal settlements, shifting family and gender dynamics, and the securitisation and mistrust targeting displaced populations. Displaced persons mostly seek refuge in under-resourced regional cities. The Brief highlights political tensions around official displacement categories and promotes analysis through “practical norms” — real-life social and urban governance practices. It concludes with a call for more qualitative research to better understand these urban dynamics and support displaced populations.

Gender, Security, Political Violence, Education, Human security, Violence, Threat, Urbanisation, Soicial sciences, Knowlege production

This country profile on Mauritania reviews political, security, economic, and social developments since 2020, focusing on the period under President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani. It discusses attempts at democratic reform, ongoing challenges in tackling corruption, and the ambiguous stance on human rights. The document also highlights northern security tensions, refugee reintegration issues, and growing socio-economic inequalities. Additionally, it provides insight into the country's natural resources (gold, iron, gas), pastoralism, and environmental concerns. Finally, the profile emphasizes Mauritania’s complex geopolitical position, straddling North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

Politics, Political party, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Jihad, Terrorism, Education, Gold, Human security

The Senegal country brief, published on May 19, 2025, by the PASAS platform, summarizes 72 references addressing educational, health, environmental, social, and political issues in the country. Senegal’s expanding higher education system still struggles with inequality in access and quality. Public health faces challenges such as malnutrition, mental health stigmatization, and poor healthcare coverage. Environmental concerns—particularly water and land management—are linked to urban and rural tensions. Social dynamics reflect the mobilization of youth and women’s movements. Governance is explored through political transitions, security challenges at the borders, and Senegal’s shifting role in regional diplomacy. The brief also highlights gaps in coverage, including primary education, infectious diseases, and religious healthcare services.

Politics, Political party, Governance, Environment, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Education, Youth, Gold, Human security, Social, Health, Researh

The study "Food Insecurity in the Central Sahel", coordinated by Pierre Janin, assesses public policies and crisis management systems in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger since 2004. It embraces a critical and context-sensitive approach, moving beyond simplistic causal explanations to address the multifaceted nature of food crises, shaped by climatic, economic, political, and security factors. The study reviews four major crises (2004–2005, 2007–2008, 2011–2012, 2020–2022) in each country, evaluating the relevance and evolution of institutional responses. It advocates for a shift from technical risk management to strategic governance, emphasizing negotiated compromises and adaptive responses. The growing politicization of food-related challenges—exemplified by the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—reshapes regional sovereignty dynamics and calls for innovative policy frameworks.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Food security, Gold, Human security, Crisis, Insécurité, Food insecurity

This Policy Brief explores Senegal’s role in mediating the crisis between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), formed by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger after their withdrawal from ECOWAS. Drawing on its diplomatic tradition and neutrality, Senegal, under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has been appointed as a facilitator. While Senegal officially promotes the AES’s return to ECOWAS, its emissary's statements suggest a more nuanced stance. The brief analyzes issues of regional integration, governance, security cooperation, and sovereignty. It highlights the need for realistic mediation, one that acknowledges the AES states’ security concerns while preserving ECOWAS’s democratic and economic frameworks. The document also emphasizes the regional consequences of the split, including economic fragmentation and weakened security cooperation, urging Senegal to play a strategic and balanced role.

Politics, Political party, Power, State, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Conflict, Gold, Human security, Diplomacy, Crisis

The study “The Women, Peace, and Security Agenda in Chad: The Case of the Lac and Ouaddaï Provinces” examines the implementation of UN Resolution 1325 in Chad. Despite the adoption of the National Action Plan (NAP) in January 2023, its implementation remains slow, particularly in the Lac and Ouaddaï provinces. The study highlights the role of women in local mediation, often limited to internal conflicts, while their participation in national peace negotiations is minimal. Gender-based violence remains a major problem, exacerbated by social norms and a lack of institutional coordination. Women’s organizations play a crucial role, but their efforts are fragmented. The study recommends strengthening local initiatives, improving coordination among stakeholders, and raising awareness to ensure the meaningful inclusion of women in peace processes.

Gender, Natural ressources, Security, Peace, Justice, Political Violence, Gold, Human security, Violence, Threat

The study "The Women, Peace, and Security Agenda in Chad: The Case of the Lac and Ouaddaï Provinces" analyzes the implementation of UN Resolution 1325 in Chad. Adopted in January 2023, the National Action Plan (NAP) is struggling to be implemented, particularly in the Lac and Ouaddaï provinces. The study highlights the role of women in local mediation, often limited to domestic conflicts, while their participation in national peace negotiations remains marginal. Gender-based violence remains a major issue, hampered by social norms and a lack of institutional coordination. Women's organizations play a key role, but their actions remain fragmented. The study recommends strengthening local initiatives, improving coordination between stakeholders, and raising awareness to truly integrate women into the peace process.

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