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

The article entitled "Nigeria: The climate crisis fuels conflicts and terrorism", written by Raphaël D. and published on the Mr Mondialisation website in January 2021, analyzes the impact of climate change on security in Nigeria. The country is experiencing increasing desertification, particularly in the north, involving arable land and pastures. This situation pushes nomadic herders to migrate south, leading to conflicts with local sedentary farmers. These tensions have reached a critical level of violence, causing as many casualties as the terrorist group Boko Haram. Climate disruption thus favors the development of terrorist groups, who take advantage of the instability to carry out deadly raids and pillaging, financing part of their operations through the sale of stolen livestock. Government measures, such as the National Livestock Transformation Plan, are taken into account for their inadequacy to the needs of breeders, exacerbating existing tensions.

Agriculture, Livestock, Climate change, Security, Conflict, Terrorism

The article entitled “Mali-Niger: climate change and conflicts form an explosive cocktail in the Sahel”, published by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 2019, analyzes the interaction between climate change and intercommunity conflicts in Mali and Niger. Global warming is exacerbating historic tensions between herders and farmers, particularly arable land and making water resources more unpredictable. This situation worsens poverty, weakens public services and disrupts traditional livelihoods. Local populations, already facing underdevelopment, crime and violence, are pushed into difficult choices, such as migration or joining armed groups, to meet their needs. The ICRC highlights the need for a radically different approach to tackling these complex challenges in the Sahel.

Migration, Climate change, Natural ressources, Conflict, Poverty

The article examines the complex situation in central Mali, where individuals posing as jihadists or traditional hunters (Dozos) exacerbate intercommunal tensions. Jihadists exploit the historical heritage of the Fulani to legitimize their presence, while non-Fulani militias disguise themselves as Dozos to justify actions against the Fulani. This dynamic increases polarization, trapping civilians between these armed groups. Stereotypes and amalgamations contribute to unjustified reprisals, fueling a cycle of violence that further undermines social cohesion and regional stability.

Conflict, Jihad

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 report, authored by Aurélie Campana and published in March 2018 by the Raoul-Dandurand Chair at the Université du Québec à Montréal, explores the resilience of jihadist groups in the Malian conflict since 2015. Despite international and national military efforts, these groups show remarkable adaptability through organizational fluidity and local embeddedness. The document delves into the dynamics of the Malian conflict, highlighting the interplay of local power struggles, intercommunal tensions, and the state's legitimacy crisis. While fragmented, jihadists leverage violence to sustain influence and recruitment, occasionally attempting to position themselves as governance alternatives. The report also examines the complexity of alliances among jihadist groups and raises the question of their potential inclusion in political processes.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Conflict, Jihad, Terrorism, Political Violence, Violence, Threat

The article "War in the Sahel: Is Peace Impossible?" by Rodrigue Nana Ngassam, published in Diplomatie (March-April 2024), examines the critical security situation in the Sahel. Since 2012, the region has faced escalating violence driven by Islamist terrorism, military coups, and ineffective international intervention. Sahelian states, weakened by poor governance and internal conflicts, struggle to maintain authority over their territories. Russia, through the Wagner Group, has increased its presence, fueling anti-Western sentiment and intensifying tensions. The article emphasizes the need for solutions tailored to local realities to break the cycle of violence, avoiding the simple replacement of one foreign power with another. The author advocates for a rethinking of security approaches that integrate African perspectives and credible international cooperation.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Political Violence, Violence, Threat

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, Human security, Threat, Knowlege production

This article examines the intersection of jihadi governance and gender practices in the Sahel. It explores how jihadist groups, affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, manipulate gender relations to gain local support. By blending continuity and disruption with traditional social practices, these groups leverage gender roles in Fulani communities in the Liptako-Gourma region (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso). Using ethnographic methodology and interviews, the authors analyze how jihadist governance adapts marriage norms, domestic roles, and dress codes. They conclude that the integration of these groups into the social fabric relies on their ability to reproduce or reshape existing gender practices.

Gender, Security, Conflict, Political Violence, Education, Human security, Violence, Threat, Soicial sciences, Knowlege production