In the article titled "Our sociocultural constraints are reflected in the way we handle information related to women," published on November 24, 2021, on WATHI, Sofia Ba discusses the significant yet often unrecognized role of women in Senegalese society due to sociocultural norms. She highlights that, although women are active in the media, barriers persist, frequently confining them to roles related to entertainment or sociocultural topics. Ba advocates for a more diverse representation of women in the media, reflecting their varied expertise, including in economics, politics, and sciences. She also critiques the biased treatment of information concerning women, influenced by enduring social beliefs and constraints. For her, the media play a crucial role in shaping societal perceptions of women's roles and must accurately reflect societal realities, even when uncomfortable. Ba calls for a strategic use of social networks to convey messages about gender inequalities and a redefinition of feminism, often misunderstood and negatively perceived in Senegal.

Culture, Gender, Inclusion

The article by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, published on October 1, 2024, examines the southward advance of militant Islamist groups in Mali, intensifying threats around Bamako. Since the military coup in August 2020, security has deteriorated, with attacks within 150 km of the capital increasing from 3 in 2020 to a projected 34 in 2024. Deaths related to this violence in southern Mali are expected to double to 335 this year. Border areas with Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Senegal, and Mauritania are also under increased pressure. Simultaneously, human rights abuses attributed to Malian forces and Russian mercenaries have risen, with civilian deaths increasing from 84 in 2019 to a projected 1,044 in 2024. These violations undermine public trust and exacerbate community tensions. The article emphasizes the need for improved security sector governance and a transition to civilian rule to stabilize Mali and enhance regional cooperation.

Human Rights, Insécurité, Transition, Coopération régionale

The article "Performing (In)securities in West Africa: Territorial meshing and local participation in cross-border security" by Charline Kopf, published on December 19, 2023, by Presses universitaires de Louvain in the journal Anthropologie & développement, analyzes the International Organization for Migration's (IOM) border community engagement program in Senegal's border regions. Based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted in 2019, the article examines various initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperation between security forces and local communities, such as awareness-raising theater performances, comics, and a crisis simulation exercise. These "territorial meshing" practices promote a border control culture that shifts security responsibility to citizens. However, the author highlights that the emphasis on "local communities" participation contrasts with the global standardization of spaces and temporal logics of prevention and preparedness, creating tension between envisioned scenarios and their actual unfolding, thus opening space for criticism and questioning

Governance, Migration, Boundary, Security

Thirty years after the Beijing Declaration, this report highlights the continued marginalization of African women with disabilities in public policy and feminist movements. Despite legal frameworks like the CRPD and the African Disability Protocol, implementation remains weak. Based on consultations with 244 women across 23 countries, the report reveals deep-rooted, intersectional discrimination: extreme poverty, specific forms of gender-based violence, political underrepresentation, economic exclusion, and barriers to healthcare and education. Most policies lack an intersectional lens and disaggregated data, limiting effective action. This participatory report calls for the recognition of disabled women as change-makers and provides concrete recommendations for their full inclusion. It emphasizes the urgency of integrating their voices in decision-making spaces to achieve genuine gender equality.

Health, Violence, Discrimination, Inclusive education, Inclusion, Socio-economic integration

The article "Reframing the Response of West African Coastal Countries to Violent Extremism" by Daniel Eizenga and Amandine Gnanguênon, published on August 20, 2024, by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, examines the spread of extremist violence from the Sahel to West African coastal countries. It highlights that nations such as Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Senegal, and Mauritania are increasingly affected by the activities of Islamist militant groups. The authors recommend a multidimensional response, combining the strengthening of ties with local communities, regional security cooperation, and the development of integrated strategies that consider local, national, and regional priorities to effectively counter this threat.

Governance, Security, Violence

The article titled "Nous ne sommes peut-être pas instruites mais nous avons beaucoup d’abnégation et savons qui nous sommes, avec beaucoup d’expérience sur le terrain politique" features the testimony of Adja Absa Laye Souaré, a fish seller and municipal councilor in Thiès, Senegal. Active in politics since 1986, she has successively been involved with the Socialist Party, the Senegalese Democratic Party, and later Rewmi. She emphasizes that, although some women lack formal education, they possess significant determination and political experience. Adja Absa Laye Souaré highlights the importance of active female participation in decision-making bodies and denounces their instrumentalization in politics. She calls for increased support to strengthen women's capacities and promote their access to leadership positions, considering their close ties with local populations as a major asset for local development.

Gender, Development, Women, Political participation, Inclusion

Action Against Hunger's 2024 regional report assesses biomass production in the Sahel and West Africa. Following a poor rainy season in 2023, 2024 was marked by abundant rainfall, particularly in the central Sahel, leading to exceptional biomass yields in Niger, Chad, and Burkina Faso. In contrast, coastal countries and some agricultural areas of Mali, Senegal, and southern Chad recorded moderate to low biomass production. Despite sufficient overall resource availability, access is hampered by insecurity, restrictions on livestock mobility, and pressure on grazing land. The report highlights the importance of sustainable resource management, support for pastoralists, and facilitating cross-border transhumance before the 2025 dry season.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Development, Gold, Poverty, Human security, Vulnerability, Knowlege production

This article examines the intersection between the politics of regionalism and security politics by analyzing the recent reorganization of regions. It explores how political communities are transforming into security regions, focusing on the political and security dynamics that influence these transformations. The study highlights the key factors contributing to this evolution and analyzes the implications for regional governance and international cooperation. It also highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with this transformation of regional structures.

Politics, Governance, Security, Cooperation, Coopération régionale

Pastoralism plays a vital role in West and Central Africa, contributing to food security and biodiversity conservation. However, this way of life is threatened by climate change, land degradation, and socio-political conflicts. Action Against Hunger (ACF) has implemented various initiatives to strengthen the resilience of pastoral communities, including improving access to water and pasture, promoting sustainable practices, and establishing early warning systems. Regional and national policies support pastoralism through infrastructure, regulations promoting transhumance, and climate adaptation programs. However, challenges persist, including agricultural expansion, land privatization, resource conflicts, and widespread insecurity. A coordinated approach and concerted action are needed to preserve this essential way of life.

Economic Development, Livestock, Climate change, Security, Conflict, Education, Development, Human security, Soicial sciences, Knowlege production