The jihadist insurgency in the Sahel, initially imported, has become endogenized, rooted in local and social conflicts. Jihadist groups control vast territories and impose “indirect government”, based on sharia, terror and the protection of populations against bandits. Despite external interventions (Minusma, Barkhane, G5 Sahel), jihadist expansion continued. National armies, crucial to the fight, suffer from corruption, violence against civilians and the absence of a security strategy. Local militias, often ethnic, exacerbate tensions. The use of Russian forces (Wagner) in Mali has not reversed the dynamic. A profound reform of national armies, the eradication of corruption and better security of populations are essential to counter this threat.

Power, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Education, Gold, Human security, Threat, Researh, Knowlege production

The article "Pragmatic contexts and formalist contexts. A socio-anthropological perspective", written by Jean-Pierre Olivier de Sardan, explores the distinction between pragmatic (proximity) contexts and formalist (structural) contexts in social sciences. It shows that the social sciences mix contextualization and decontextualization according to their methods. Qualitative surveys, focused on local interactions, better reflect the complexity of the field than quantitative methods, which favor abstract indicators. The author criticizes social engineering and standardized intervention models, often developed without taking into account local contexts. He defends the importance of the agency of actors and advocates a gradual increase in generality, rather than an abstract and decontextualized generalization. The study of pragmatic contexts allows a better understanding of public policies and development projects, particularly in Africa.

Politics, Political party, Power, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Development, Gold, Social, Researh, Knowlege production

The report “Protection Challenges in Prolonged Crisis Contexts and Fragile States in West Africa: Coordinating Responses Between Emergency and Development” explores the challenges related to protecting populations in fragile states in West Africa, particularly in the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea. It highlights the limits of current interventions by development donors, such as AFD, and proposes strategies to better prevent rights violations. The study analyzes protection approaches, such as integrating conflict sensitivity, adapting contractual frameworks for more flexibility and involving local actors. She recommends adopting tools such as contextual monitoring, community protection and strengthening local justice. The objective is to ensure a coordinated approach between humanitarian and development actors for more effective protection in protracted crisis contexts.

Economic Development, Security, Justice, Conflict, Development, Threat, Researh, Knowlege production, Crisis, Protection

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

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

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