The IMF article titled "The Sahel's Intertwined Challenges" examines the multidimensional crises facing Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Since 2012, these nations have grappled with escalating insecurity due to the establishment of non-state armed groups, including terrorist organizations. This instability has led to military coups between 2020 and 2023, exacerbating political tensions and hindering economic and social development. School closures and mass displacements have particularly affected the youth, limiting their access to education and increasing their vulnerability to crime and terrorism. The article also highlights the enduring impact of French colonization on current institutional structures, contributing to the fragility of Sahelian states. Economic crises in the 1980s and 1990s further weakened these institutions, making countries dependent on international aid and impeding democratic consolidation

Governance, Development, Institution, Insécurité, Groupes armés non étatiques

Using the Sahel as an example, and more specifically the situation in the Lake Chad region, this article looks at how the growing recognition of climate change in scientific and political-institutional agendas is changing the way we think about the relationship between environmental crises, agriculture and violence. By recalling how this discussion is part of long-standing reflections on the relationship between resources and conflicts, he analyses the crystallisation of the debate into two camps - neo-determinist quantitative approaches at continental scales of study, on the one hand, and critical social science approaches such as Political ecology, which are more local and territorialized, on the other; as well as the role of think tanks as mediators of scientific work towards the political sphere. It explains the seduction of neo-determinist analyses despite the refutations fed by field research.

Agriculture, Climate change

The IRIS study, led by Caroline Roussy, examines the complexity of transboundary threats in the Sahel and West Africa, particularly the spread of terrorism in border areas between Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. It highlights that 80% of recorded violence in this region occurs within 100 kilometers of land borders. Borders, often seen as dividing lines, are actually zones of contact and interaction, facilitating the movement of armed groups and the spread of extremist ideologies. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding local dynamics and cross-border interactions to develop effective counter-terrorism strategies. It recommends an integrated approach that considers the socio-economic and cultural realities of border populations, and enhanced cooperation between the concerned states to secure these vulnerable areas.

Governance, Boundary, Security, Cooperation

This report examines perceptions of security in Mali's Mopti, Timbuktu, Gao, and Bandiagara regions as part of the Just Future program. National and local perceptions vary greatly, influenced by factors such as the presence of security actors, the withdrawal of MINUSMA, and socio-economic conditions. Security improvements are noted in regions like Timbuktu, attributed to military patrols and enhanced mobility. However, insecurity persists in other areas, driven by armed groups, forced displacements, and attacks. Perceptions of security forces are mixed: while their presence instills some confidence, their behavior is criticized. Economic concerns, characterized by increasing poverty and limited opportunities, remain a critical issue. Recommendations highlight the need for greater collaboration between security forces and civil society.

Governance, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Education, Human security, Opinion, Threat, Researh, Knowlege production

In this 29 September 2024 episode of Ça fait débat avec Wathi on RFI, Gilles Yabi, head of the Wathi think tank, presents the key takeaways from a 19 September roundtable on security in the Sahel and neighboring coastal states such as Benin, Togo, and Ghana. He emphasizes the spreading jihadist threat, which is moving beyond the traditional hotspot of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, reaching littoral nations. Yabi highlights vulnerabilities related to porous borders, institutional unpreparedness, and weak regional cooperation. He underscores the limitations of local security forces and stresses the need for joint prevention measures, improved intelligence sharing, and robust crisis management. He advocates for the active participation of civil society and regional entities to prevent the spillover of Sahelian insecurity.

Boundary, Security, Jihad

The article "Is the Sahel Crisis an Agrarian Crisis?" examines the underlying causes of instability in the Sahel region, characterized by a series of coups d'état and deteriorating diplomatic relations, notably with France. It emphasizes that in countries where the majority of the population is rural and dependent on agriculture, political and security crises are closely linked to agrarian issues. Challenges such as soil degradation, climate change, population growth, and land conflicts exacerbate social and economic tensions. These factors contribute to the emergence of violence and political instability. The article suggests that to understand and resolve the Sahel crisis, it is essential to address agrarian issues and support rural development.

Governance, Agriculture, Climate change, Food security, Insécurité

The document explores the violent conflicts linked to the artisanal and semi-mechanized gold mining sector in Burkina Faso, particularly in the Sahel and South-West regions. The study identifies traditional conflicts (between artisans, with landowners and industrialists) and emerging conflicts (involving armed groups). It analyzes the causes of these conflicts, such as control of resources and cultural tensions, as well as their escalation due to the presence of armed groups. The report offers an assessment of positivist and denialist theoretical approaches to peaceful resolution, aimed at promoting societal cohesion

Politics, Governance

The document "Analysis of Political and Security Developments in the Sahel and West Africa" delves into the pressing challenges faced by the region in September 2024. Security concerns dominate, with the resurgence of terrorist groups like Boko Haram and expansions into new areas. Affected countries, grappling with delicate political transitions and social emergencies, seek to strengthen regional and international security partnerships. Meanwhile, specific events, including coup accusations, migration crises, and internal conflicts, highlight political fragility in nations like Niger, Burkina Faso, and Côte d’Ivoire. These dynamics underscore a continuous struggle for stability amidst persistent terrorist threats and prolonged political transitions.

Politics, Governance

The article “Obstacles to access and continuity of education for children in situations of forced displacement in the Central Sahel region – Mali” identifies several major challenges hindering access to education for internally displaced and refugee children. These obstacles include the absence of nearby schools, financial constraints, distance to schools, lack of available places and persistent insecurity. Internally displaced children are particularly affected by domestic work, while refugee children suffer more from the lack of educational infrastructure. The study also highlights the negative impact of the absence of school canteens, especially in a context of food insecurity, and the importance of school latrines to encourage girls’ schooling. Recommendations are made, such as the development of incentive measures (scholarships, school kits, bonuses) to promote access to and retention in school for children at risk of dropping out or not attending school.

Education, Food security, Poverty, Human security