The article entitled "The coastal countries of West Africa. New land of expansion for Sahelian jihadist groups?", written by Mathieu Pellerin and published by the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri) on February 11, 2022, analyzes the expansion of Sahelian jihadist groups towards the coastal countries of West Africa. The Eastern and Cascades regions of Burkina Faso, as well as those of Sikasso and Kayes in Mali, serve as rear bases for groups such as Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) to expand into Benin, Ivory Coast, and to a lesser extent Togo, Ghana, Senegal and Guinea. This expansion relies on local recruits and exploits the fragilities of the targeted territories, in particular the tensions linked to access to resources, community stigma and the presence of criminal networks susceptible to “jihadization”. The article underlines the importance for the authorities of these states to put in place appropriate civil and military responses to prevent a deterioration of the security situation.

Security, Jihad, Vulnerability

The article "Security in the Gulf of Guinea Tested by the 'Great Overflow'" examines the security challenges arising from massive migrations from the Sahel to the Gulf of Guinea countries. This migration, driven by uncontrolled demographics and environmental degradation, leads to tensions related to land ownership, ethnic and religious balances, and the exploitation of natural resources. The newcomers, often impoverished and poorly educated, struggle to integrate with local populations, exacerbating social tensions. The article also criticizes the inaction of international organizations, such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in addressing this crisis. It warns that this situation could further destabilize the region, already facing significant security challenges

Migration, Security, Conflict, Démographie

The WATHI article highlights the major challenges of mental health care in West Africa. Neuropsychiatric disorders account for 18% of the overall disease burden in the region, but states allocate less than 1% of their health budgets to them. This situation is compounded by a lack of qualified personnel and adequate infrastructure. Cultural beliefs and stigma associated with mental illness also hinder access to care. To improve the situation, the article recommends better training of health professionals, increased public awareness and integration of mental health services into primary health care.

Politique publique, Santé mentale

School violence in Africa is a major problem that affects students’ learning and mental health. Victims experience negative effects such as sleep disturbances, headaches, injuries, poor mental health, risky behaviors, and suicidal thoughts. These consequences result in economic losses estimated at $11 trillion in lifetime income globally. To address this situation, multi-component interventions involving various stakeholders are recommended. Whole-school approaches that integrate policies, practices, and values ​​are advocated. Group learning, fostering shared values ​​and addressing gender norms, as well as leadership opportunities for staff and students are also suggested. These interventions should be tailored to the specific school context and rigorously monitored. Initiatives in French-speaking Africa, such as that of the Graines de Paix association in Benin and Côte d’Ivoire, illustrate these good practices. Their program "Learn in Peace, Educate without Violence" aims to train teachers in non-violent classroom management techniques and to improve school dynamics.

Education, Politique publique, Santé mentale, Violence scolaire

The article emphasizes that West Africa, particularly the Sahel, faces a growing terrorist threat, exacerbated by jihadist groups like Boko Haram. These organizations primarily target youth, who are vulnerable due to unemployment, limited access to education, and lack of prospects. To counter this threat, military initiatives such as the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and the G5 Sahel have been established to coordinate regional counter-terrorism efforts. However, the article advocates for a preventive approach focused on investing in youth. It suggests that educational programs and economic opportunities for young people could reduce their susceptibility to recruitment by extremist groups, thereby contributing to lasting stability in the region.

Security, Jihad, Terrorism, Youth, Violence

The World Bank article (2021) examines the impact of climate change on internal migrations in West Africa, a region historically characterized by significant mobility due to trade, pastoralism, and the pursuit of diversified livelihoods. Internal migrations, primarily from rural to urban areas, are influenced by economic, social, political, and environmental factors, with climate playing an increasingly pivotal role. Projections suggest that the region could witness up to 32 million internal climate migrants by 2050 in the worst-case scenario, representing about 4% of the total population. Key hotspots for climate emigration may include areas like the Dakar-Diourbel-Touba corridor in Senegal, while regions in the Sahel could become immigration hotspots due to increased water availability and pastures. Coordinated climate and development actions could significantly reduce these forced migrations.

Migration, Climate change, Environment, Development

The security crisis in West Africa and the Sahel exacerbates the vulnerability of these regions to climate change. Conflicts hamper the governance of natural resources, which are essential for the global energy transition. Regional institutions, such as ECOWAS and the African Union, are weakened, compromising their ability to respond effectively to climate challenges. According to the IPCC, these areas are among the most vulnerable to future climate fluctuations. Demands for climate justice coincide with aspirations for social justice, particularly among African youth. Securing the management of strategic minerals is crucial for the industrialization and economic development of producer countries. It is imperative to integrate security considerations into international climate negotiations to ensure effective implementation of climate agendas in the Sahel and West Africa

Climate change, Environment, Natural ressources, Security, Vulnerability

The WATHI article examines the growing threat posed by Islamist extremists to Ghana, Togo, and Benin. In 2023, Togo experienced 14 attacks resulting in 66 deaths, demonstrating the persistent ability of extremist groups to carry out deadly actions. Despite significant regional interventions, current strategies to combat violent extremism in coastal West Africa remain insufficient. The root causes of extremism, such as the systemic exclusion of marginalized ethnic groups, notably the Fulani, are not adequately addressed, exacerbating the situation. Ghana, neighboring Benin and Togo, has implemented measures to prevent such attacks, including increased assistance from international partners. However, the presence and influence of extremist organizations linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State continue to expand in the north of the country, recruiting hundreds of Ghanaians to fight in regional conflicts and beyond. This expansion of extremism in the three West African coastal countries persists despite considerable efforts to prevent the spread of extremist groups from the Sahel into their northern regions.

Jihad, Terrorism, Extremism, Violence

In this op-ed published on March 15, 2023, Jean‑Pierre Olivier de Sardan questions the effectiveness of security strategies in the Sahel. Jihadism is spreading not only in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, but also into northern regions of coastal countries like Benin, Ghana, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire . Where state authority has collapsed, jihadist groups have imposed a “de facto government” based on extortion, propaganda, and terror. He notes that military responses, including Operation Barkhane, have failed to halts their expansion . Instead, he advocates for a comprehensive approach: strengthening public services, restoring a protective state, offering alternatives for jihadist defectors, engaging in negotiations with moderate insurgents, and supporting rural development and humanitarian aid. The core argument stresses the need for people‑centered security rather than a standalone military focus.

Governance, Security, Jihad, Services publics