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• Academic analysis and Think Tank / Governance, Security and human rights,

  Can Guinea eradicate coups d’état from its political culture? 30/01/2026

  Summary :

  The article “Can Guinea eradicate coups d’état from its political culture?”, written by David Zounmenou for the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), ...

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  Country : Guinea

  Organizations : WATHI
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Academic analysis and Think Tank / Governance, Security and human rights,
Can Guinea eradicate coups d’état from its political culture? 30/01/2026
Summary :
The article “Can Guinea eradicate coups d’état from its political culture?”, written by David Zounmenou for the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), examines the structural drivers behind Guinea’s September 5, 2021 military coup and the country’s long-standing pattern of unconstitutional power seizures. The overthrow of President Alpha Condé followed his highly contested third term, made possible by constitutional manipulation, and occurred amid widespread political repression, poor governance, and entrenched impunity. The author argues that the lack of accountability undermines democratic consolidation and creates fertile ground for repeated military intervention. By placing the 2021 coup in Guinea’s historical trajectory—marked by successive military regimes since independence—the article highlights the fragility of both political and security institutions. More broadly, it challenges the notion that coups reflect a failure of democracy itself, instead pointing to governance deficits and abuse of power. To end coups as a political norm, the article calls for ending impunity, strengthening constitutional order, and firmer action by the African Union and regional bodies.
Keywords :
Culture, Politics, Governance, Security, Coup d'État
Organizations :
WATHI
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• Podcast / Governance, Security and human rights,

  Far from the battle of narratives and passions 30/01/2026

  Summary :

  The article “Far from the battle of narratives and passions: exploring the lived experiences of populations in besieged localities in Mali” draws on t...

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  Country : Mali

  Organizations : WATHI
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Podcast / Governance, Security and human rights,
Far from the battle of narratives and passions 30/01/2026
Summary :
The article “Far from the battle of narratives and passions: exploring the lived experiences of populations in besieged localities in Mali” draws on the research study Living under blockade: areas under JNIM influence in Mali, conducted by Mahamadou Bassirou Tangara and Ibrahima Poudiougou. The study examines the impact of blockades imposed by jihadist armed groups, particularly the Katiba Macina affiliated with JNIM, on civilian populations in central Mali. Using a qualitative and comparative methodology in the Mopti and Ségou regions, the authors document the severe consequences of these blockades: isolation, collapse of economic activities, targeted violence, restrictions on movement, social fragmentation, and school closures. The article highlights blockade as a long-term strategy of territorial control with devastating effects on daily life, far beyond military considerations. By centering local voices and lived experiences, the research moves away from ideological narratives and provides grounded insights that are essential for informing political and security decision-making in Mali.
Keywords :
Politics, Governance, Security, Crisis, Groupes armés
Organizations :
WATHI
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• Academic analysis and Think Tank / Security and human rights,

  A Folkloric Coup d’État in Guinea-Bissau and the Ongoing Turmoil in West Africa 08/12/2025

  Summary :

  The article “A Folkloric Coup d’État in Guinea-Bissau and the Ongoing Turmoil in West Africa” reports on a coup d’état that occurred shortly after the...

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  Country : Guinea-Bissau

  Organizations : WATHI
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Academic analysis and Think Tank / Security and human rights,
A Folkloric Coup d’État in Guinea-Bissau and the Ongoing Turmoil in West Africa 08/12/2025
Summary :
The article “A Folkloric Coup d’État in Guinea-Bissau and the Ongoing Turmoil in West Africa” reports on a coup d’état that occurred shortly after the November 23, 2025 presidential election in Guinea-Bissau — a vote conducted with calm but carrying significant hope for the country’s 2.2 million inhabitants. Despite the election, the provisional results were delayed, and a group of military officers close to former president Umaro Sissoco Embaló seized power, forming a military junta called the “High Military Command.” General Denis Ncanha announced the takeover, and General Horta N’Tam was appointed head of a one-year transitional government. The article questions the true nature of the coup — some describe it as a “folkloric coup,” possibly orchestrated by Embaló himself to prevent the victory of another candidate backed by the historic party PAIGC. The author warns of renewed political instability, as seen in other West African states, and the risk of widespread “turmoil” if such maneuvers become common.
Keywords :
Politics, Governance, Security, Coup d'État
Organizations :
WATHI
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• Academic analysis and Think Tank / Governance, Security and human rights,

  Human Security in the Sahel: An Ideal in Crisis 28/10/2025

  Summary :

  In this article, Anta Barry explores the evolution of the concept of human security in the Sahel region and argues that its ambition is increasingly u...

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  Country : Burkina Faso , Mali , Niger

  Organizations : WATHI
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Academic analysis and Think Tank / Governance, Security and human rights,
Human Security in the Sahel: An Ideal in Crisis 28/10/2025
Summary :
In this article, Anta Barry explores the evolution of the concept of human security in the Sahel region and argues that its ambition is increasingly unattainable. The central Sahel namely Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso represents a paradox: a territory rich in resources yet undermined by weak governance, colonial legacies, mis-aligned development policies and recurrent political instability. The notion of human security, initially focusing on protecting individuals from economic, political and environmental threats, is confronted with a “poly-crisis”: terrorist insecurity, climate change, food crises and the retreat of the state from basic services. Barry criticises the application of standardised international models that fail to reflect Sahelian realities and highlights the shrinking political space of states in the face of powerful external actors. The article concludes that without a rethink of approaches and a genuine empowerment of local actors, the ideal of human security in the Sahel will remain in crisis.
Keywords :
Governance, Climate change, Security, Development, Food security, Crisis
Organizations :
WATHI
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