This article by Tin Kapetanovic examines the expansion of Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) across the Sahara-Sahel through the criminological concept of “transplantation.” It argues that JNIM’s relocation was shaped by both push and pull factors. Push factors included military pressure in northern Mali after France’s Operation Serval (2013) and competition with rival groups such as the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara. Pull factors encompassed weak state authority, ethnic tensions (notably between Fulani herders and Dogon farmers), economic opportunities from artisanal gold mining and smuggling routes, and Mopti’s strategic location. JNIM embedded itself locally by integrating traditional leaders, intermarrying, providing security and services, and establishing Sharia-based governance. Nonetheless, its expansion faced resistance from community self-defense militias and heightened counterterrorism operations by Malian and international forces. Applying the transplantation framework highlights JNIM’s deliberate organizational adaptation and environmental exploitation, offering insights beyond ideology or networks

Governance, Security, Terrorism, Extremism

Published on June 26, 2025, this WATHI brief highlights the critical need to improve the living and working conditions of teachers in West Africa. While teachers are pivotal amid rapid population growth and soaring demand for education, they face precarious circumstances: inadequate salaries, urban–rural disparities, poor housing, classroom overcrowding, deficient infrastructure, lack of psychosocial support, and insufficient ongoing training. The article advocates for a strategic, collaborative response involving governments, technical partners, unions, civil society, and citizens. It stresses the importance of salary upgrades, better support systems (housing, transport), incentives for rural postings, and comprehensive measures to restore dignity to the profession. These actions are deemed essential for building resilient, inclusive, and future-oriented education systems in West Africa.

Governance, Education, Politique publique, Recruitment

The article examines the rise of the Koglweogo, self-defense groups originating in rural Sahel regions, in response to the state's security failures. Initially intended as auxiliary forces (VDP) to counter terrorism, these groups have often fueled inter-community violence, perpetuating cycles of retaliation and exclusion. Their recruitment is not ethnically inclusive, and their training inadequate, undermining their legitimacy. The author highlights the tension between the necessity of local security measures and the uncontrolled abuses that follow, risking further erosion of the state’s authority. The involvement of the Koglweogo underscores the shortcomings of poorly regulated security strategies and the complex security dynamics in Burkina Faso.

Governance, Security, Selfdefense

The article discusses the challenge of financing mass and quality education in West Africa. It begins by noting the region’s low education budget—around 4% of GDP compared to the international benchmark of 6%. The area's rapid population growth increases pressure on resources, making financial challenges even more pressing. In a virtual dialogue held in May 2024, organized by WATHI in partnership with the Irish Embassy in Senegal, participants examined the current state of education funding, the impact of demographic growth on education quality, and identified several recommendations. This “QUICK” type article is intended to stimulate public debate and inform policy decisions by presenting key insights and action pathways to ensure quality education access for all in the region.

Governance, Education, Démographie, Funding

The article highlights Africa’s critical issue: the shortage of decent jobs, especially impacting youth. Referencing data from the ILO and Afrobarometer, it reveals that up to 80% of workers are in vulnerable employment . What sets this policy brief apart is its solutions-oriented approach, offering policy options designed to enable transitions from the informal to formal sector. These include enhancing social protection, improving access to quality education, and fostering entrepreneurship, particularly among women and young people . It stresses the importance of job quality — including job stability, security, and dignity — over mere job creation. The article further underscores Africa’s demographic dividend potential, contingent on economic diversification beyond extractive industries

Governance, Youth, Vulnerability, EMPLOYMENT

This briefing addresses information integrity challenges in West Africa and proposes a context-appropriate policy framework. It reviews international, continental, and regional policy instruments, identifying gaps in digital governance. Aligned with UNESCO’s guidelines, the paper outlines minimum requirements for platform governance, particularly during elections or crises. The framework aims to promote responsible governance, build social cohesion, and safeguard democratic processes. It emphasizes the need to effectively counter misinformation, hate speech, and elevate access to reliable information as a public good. The briefing targets policymakers, regulators, civil society, journalists, and researchers working to protect digital rights and reinforce information integrity across the region.

Governance, Information, Social cohesion, Disinformation

This article examines the use of artificial intelligence techniques to predict interstate armed conflicts in West Africa. Using a comprehensive dataset spanning 1981–2018 and covering 16 countries in the region, the authors tested three machine learning models: random forest, logistic regression, and decision tree. Findings indicate that the random forest model performs best (98% accuracy, 83% recall). The most relevant predictors of conflict are differences in democracy levels and shared borders, while military expenditures prove less influential. The study highlights elevated risks for certain dyads, such as Guinea–Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast–Burkina Faso. By demonstrating the effectiveness of predictive models, this research contributes to the development of early warning systems for conflict prevention. However, it also stresses the limitations due to data imbalance and the need for continuous updates to enhance forecasting accuracy.

State, Security, Peace, Conflict, Political Violence, Education, Threat, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production, Intelligence artificielle

The article “Climate adaptation of millet and sorghum varieties in North‑Eastern Senegal: cross‑referencing rainfall, thermal and phenological parameters” evaluates the performance of several millet (Souna 3, ICTP 8203, GB 8735, Gawane, Chakti) and sorghum (CE 180‑33, Payenne, Golobé) varieties under local climatic constraints—rainfall deficits and thermal stress—in three study zones: Podor, Matam, and Linguère. Analysis of long-term precipitation and temperature data shows a clear decline in rainfall since the 1970s alongside increased thermal constraints. Millet Chakti and ICTP 8203 emerge as notably adapted to eastern and western areas, with suitability above 80% during the periods studied, whereas none of the varieties adapts well to the northern zone. Farmers also point to livestock roaming, bird pests, and parasitic infestations as contributing to reduced yields. The study emphasizes the urgent need to promote better-adapted varieties and enhance crop protection measures.

Agriculture, Climate change, Environment

The Pastoral Surveillance Bulletin for Senegal (No. 41, June–July 2025) highlights late and irregular rains, causing a severe pastoral lean season in the north (Louga, Saint-Louis, Matam). Transhumance flows were intense, with herds moving southward (Kaolack, Kaffrine, Tambacounda) and across borders with Mauritania and Mali. While forage and water resources were more favorable in Casamance and eastern Senegal, overgrazing and pressure on water points increased health risks and tensions. Livestock prices, especially for male cattle (+12%), rose sharply, improving terms of trade for pastoralists but undermining non-herding households’ purchasing power. The bulletin also reports animal diseases, frequent cattle thefts (Louga, Kaffrine, Tambacounda), and localized farmer–herder conflicts. Recommendations emphasize strengthening pastoral infrastructure, ensuring coordinated management of transhumance corridors, reinforcing animal health surveillance, and providing targeted support to vulnerable households.

State, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Education, Food security, Gold, Poverty, Human security, Vulnerability, Transhumance