The book Refugee in One’s Own Country: A Collective Investigation into Internally Displaced Persons in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) examines the plight of individuals fleeing violence in Burkina Faso and seeking refuge in the capital. Conducted in 2021-2022 by a team of Burkinabè and French researchers, the study highlights the exclusion of these internally displaced persons (IDPs) from official statistics and humanitarian aid. Testimonies reveal harsh living conditions, difficulties integrating into the urban environment, and a lack of institutional recognition. The study also explores the complexity of the conflict in the "three-border zone" (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) and the spread of violence. Combining anthropological and geographical approaches, it sheds light on the displaced population’s adaptation strategies and their struggle for visibility amid an ongoing security and political crisis.

Politics, Political party, Gender, Natural ressources, Education, Gold, Social, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

The article “The Sahel: a new theater for global jihadist groups? by Atta Barkindo, published in March 2020 in Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyzes, examines the evolution of the Sahel as a fertile ground for global jihadist groups. Despite military offensives against Boko Haram, the region remains a focal point for groups linked to Al-Qaeda (AQ) and the Islamic State (IS). The author explores the history of links between Boko Haram and these organizations, highlighting the growing influence of ISIS in the region. It highlights the structural causes of this expansion, notably political instability, poverty, porous borders and intercommunity rivalries. The financing of terrorism through drug trafficking, cigarette smuggling and kidnapping for ransom strengthens their operational capacity. The article concludes on the need for a coordinated response between Sahelian governments and international partners to stem this growing threat.

State, Security, Conflict, Jihad, Terrorism, Political Violence, Education, Human security, Threat, Knowlege production

This article explores the complex relationship between climate change and conflicts in the Sahel. Author Luca Raineri questions the often-assumed link between environmental degradation and the rise of terrorism in the region. Poorly designed programs, such as the Great Green Wall and anti-desertification measures, have sometimes worsened tensions by marginalizing local communities. Authoritarian environmental protection policies have enabled extremist groups to exploit local frustrations. The article advocates for inclusive approaches, based on nuanced socio-political analyses, to avoid ineffective one-size-fits-all policies. Participatory natural resource management is highlighted as a sustainable solution to mitigate conflicts and prevent terrorism.

Climate change, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Jihad, Political Violence, Human security, Violence, Threat, Knowlege production

The summary examines vulnerabilities and resilience factors in governance in Niger. Despite modernization reforms launched in 2013 to enhance public administration efficiency, structural issues persist: under-administration, politicization of public roles, and a lack of human and material resources. Decentralization and deconcentration are key levers, but their implementation faces obstacles such as weak coordination and territorial inequalities. Technical and financial partners play a structuring role, though sometimes to the detriment of national institutions. Public servants demonstrate resilience, maintaining essential services despite challenges. The summary advocates strengthening territorial reforms, improving local resource management, and fostering social ownership of public policies for more inclusive and effective governance.

State, Governance, Economic Development, Security, Education, Development, Human security, Knowlege production, EMPLOYMENT, Institution

This synthesis examines artisanal and semi-industrial gold mining in the former G5 Sahel countries (Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad) and Senegal, focusing on the Liptako-Gourma region. The study highlights the economic impact of this activity on local populations and the challenges related to its regulation, particularly the involvement of non-state armed groups. While artisanal gold mining creates employment opportunities and contributes to economic development, it also generates significant environmental and health issues, notably due to the use of toxic substances like mercury. The report calls for coordinated governance and strengthened regulation to transform this activity into a lever for sustainable development and regional stability.

State, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Development, Gold, Human security, Threat, Knowlege production

The summary examines the role of civil societies in the Sahel (Mauritania, Mali, Niger) and their impact on social change. It identifies eight ecosystems of organizations, including charitable associations, trade unions, cultural and religious groups, and feminist movements. The research highlights historical tensions, such as the colonial legacy and challenges of independence. The reasoned mapping of civil society dynamics reveals the complex interplay between the state, market, and domestic spheres. It emphasizes the importance of local actors in improving social services, promoting human rights, and empowering women, while analyzing the limits of international funding. Finally, the report proposes strategies to strengthen local capacities, enhance social proximity, and increase the visibility of aid initiatives.

State, Economic Development, Gender, Justice, Education, Development, Social, Aid, Researh, Knowlege production

This article examines the intersection of jihadi governance and gender practices in the Sahel. It explores how jihadist groups, affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, manipulate gender relations to gain local support. By blending continuity and disruption with traditional social practices, these groups leverage gender roles in Fulani communities in the Liptako-Gourma region (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso). Using ethnographic methodology and interviews, the authors analyze how jihadist governance adapts marriage norms, domestic roles, and dress codes. They conclude that the integration of these groups into the social fabric relies on their ability to reproduce or reshape existing gender practices.

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

This article examines the severe crises affecting the Central Sahel countries (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger). It highlights the failures of public policies, increasing poverty, and rapid population growth. Ethnic conflicts, food insecurity, and climate change amplify tensions, with declining agricultural yields and escalating demographic pressures. The rise of jihadist movements and foreign interventions further undermine governance, leaving states increasingly fragile. Gravellini advocates for regional strategies to address these crises and promote universal values such as human rights. However, he predicts that a complete collapse of the Sahel is likely, threatening global stability.

Politics, Political party, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Education, Development, Gold, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

This study investigates the local and regional dynamics that sustain the resilience of jihadist groups in the Sahel. It analyzes the strategies of groups like Boko Haram, AQIM, and ISGS, emphasizing their social, economic, and ideological foundations. Moving away from global perspectives, the study highlights that these groups rely more on community and clan-based structures than on international coordination. The porous borders of the region enable the movement of fighters and ideas while constraining the effectiveness of international interventions. By focusing on local realities, the study shows that these insurgencies are primarily driven by poor governance and socio-economic grievances rather than a global war on terror.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Jihad, Terrorism, Education, Gold, Threat, Knowlege production