The document explores the issues surrounding digital sovereignty in West Africa in 2024, examining both the challenges and prospects for achieving digital autonomy. Faced with rising cyber threats, West African countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal must strengthen their cybersecurity and manage their dependence on foreign infrastructure, particularly from China and Russia. The text analyzes the risks of losing control over data and increased vulnerability to cyberattacks, while also highlighting ongoing digital sovereignty initiatives. These initiatives include developing local infrastructure and implementing policies to protect data; however, they encounter significant obstacles such as a lack of expertise, low investment, and reliance on imported technologies.

Sovereignty, Governance, Economic Development, Security, Conflict, Education, Development, Human security, Threat, Information, EMPLOYMENT

The document addresses the military presence in Mali and Niger, highlighting the return of military juntas to power since 2020. It analyzes the causes of the coups and the historical influence of the military on politics in these two countries, which has been exacerbated by the heightened insecurity caused by jihadist groups. The military regimes, seeking to assert their sovereignty and legitimize.

Power, State, Security, Justice, Political Violence, Education, Human security, Threat, Soicial sciences, Knowlege production

In “The silent threat: Kidnappings in Burkina Faso”, Flore Berger, a senior analyst at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, outlines the evolution of the kidnapping industry in Burkina Faso. Since 2017, 97% of kidnappings have targeted Burkinabé nationals rather than foreigners . Kidnapping incidents rose dramatically—from single digits in 2017 to over 260 in 2021—becoming a tool of war and social control used to intimidate, punish, and recruit, rather than primarily for ransom . The report is based on 35 field interviews across Burkina Faso and Mali. It illustrates how kidnappings targeting local officials and civilians undermine community cohesion and strengthen armed groups. The article calls for urgent recognition of this silent threat to integrate it into security responses and stabilization strategies across the region.

Security, Human Rights, Violence, Threat