This Policy Brief from the Gorée Institute examines the root causes of state fragility in the Sahel (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger) and outlines practical strategies for rebuilding resilient institutions. It highlights the dominance of the executive branch, institutional weaknesses, lack of political legitimacy, social inequalities, climate change, and insecurity as core drivers of collapse. The brief proposes a comprehensive reform agenda focused on democratic governance (institutional balance, judicial independence) and good governance (decentralization, transparency, and poverty reduction). It emphasizes the need for an integrated approach combining institutional reform, inclusive development, regional cooperation, and citizen engagement to restore state legitimacy and stability in the Sahel.

Politics, Political party, Power, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Gold, Human security, Social, Institution

Since April 2023, over 930,000 individuals have fled the war in Sudan, seeking refuge in eastern Chad, particularly in the Ouaddaï region. This massive influx has placed significant strain on local resources, intensifying intercommunal tensions and agropastoral conflicts. Chadian authorities, with support from international partners, are striving to manage this humanitarian crisis while maintaining regional stability. The report emphasizes the need to strengthen cross-border cooperation, improve natural resource management, and promote dialogue among communities to prevent an escalation of violence. It also calls for increased international aid to support humanitarian and development efforts in the region.

Conflict, refugee, Aid, Crise humanitaire

This article by the We Are Water Foundation presents three concrete cases in the global effort toward universal sanitation: in Burkina Faso, Guatemala, and Kenya. In Burkina Faso, the foundation, together with UNICEF and local authorities, eliminated open defecation in the Sissili province using the CLTS approach, which empowers communities through awareness and self-driven action. In Lake Atitlán (Guatemala), Mosan developed a chemical-free, waterless toilet system that transforms waste into useful resources. In Kibera (Nairobi), UN-Habitat incorporated sanitation needs into a broader urban development plan involving roads, waste collection, and public spaces. The article stresses that access to safe toilets is a basic human right and a vital component of dignity, sustainability, and equitable development.

Governance, Environment, Food security, Hygiène, Santé publique

The article examines the challenges faced by young people in the Sahel, including insecurity, unemployment, territorial inequalities, and political exclusion. Youth in conflict zones often serve on the front lines or are pushed to desperate choices due to lack of opportunity. Urban–rural disparities and the failure of imported democratic models have led to deep frustrations. Some transitions, particularly military ones in Burkina Faso, receive popular support but raise concerns about civil liberties. The piece underscores the need for inclusive governance, stronger representation of youth and minorities, and holistic solutions addressing the root causes of instability. It calls for educational reform, psychosocial support, equitable access to resources, and renewed civic participation among youth.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Political Violence, Education, Gold, Human security, Social, Threat

In this article published by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and featured by WATHI on March 13, 2024, author Mahamat Saleh Adoum warns of the growing trend of kidnappings in Chad, particularly in border areas with Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and Sudan. These acts, often carried out by transnational criminal groups and unidentified armed elements, severely impact local communities and threaten regional stability. The article emphasizes the lack of coordination among regional states and the absence of a structured security response. The author calls for stronger cross-border cooperation, reform of local governance structures, and increased support for affected populations. Without decisive action, this security crisis could evolve into a major regional threat.

Governance, Security, Crisis management, Crisis, Coopération régionale

This report by the Timbuktu Institute examines the growing threat of Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimīn (JNIM) in the tri-border area of Mali, Mauritania, and Senegal. The group expands its influence through violent operations, illicit economic activities (timber, livestock, mining), and ideological infiltration. Vulnerabilities in eastern Senegal—such as porous borders, youth unemployment, caste-based grievances, and the spread of Salafism—make it a potential target, despite the country’s current stability. The report highlights the resilience of Senegal, grounded in social cohesion, widespread religious moderation, effective and professional security forces, and local resistance to extremist narratives. It calls for strengthened border presence, enhanced cross-border cooperation with Mali and Mauritania, and increased involvement of local religious and traditional leaders to curb JNIM’s expansion strategy.

Security, Extremism, Radicalisation

Sudan's civil war, which erupted in April 2023, has led to the displacement of over one million refugees and returnees into eastern Chad, an area that is both remote and impoverished. This humanitarian crisis is placing immense strain on local resources and infrastructure. Intercommunal tensions are rising, particularly between Sudanese refugees and Chadian host communities, fueled by land disputes and ethnic rivalries. The presence of armed groups and the potential for regional destabilization are significant concerns. The article emphasizes the urgent need for a coordinated international response to support Chad, enhance border security, and prevent further escalation of the conflict.

Governance, Conflict, refugee, Crisis, Insécurité, Destabilization

The joint pastoral surveillance bulletin by Action Contre la Faim (ACF) and Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgium (VSF-B) for February–March 2025 reports an overall satisfactory pastoral situation in Niger. Pastures remain widely available, surface water is sufficient, and markets are accessible. However, livestock body condition has slightly declined and suspected cases of animal diseases persist, though less than in previous periods. Prices of livestock and cereals have decreased, leading to a mild deterioration in terms of trade for herders. Incidents of bushfires, livestock thefts, and inter-community conflicts have also declined. The report recommends increased vaccination, awareness campaigns on transhumance, and better youth engagement to sustainably manage pastoral resources. Efforts should focus on improving disease surveillance, supporting pastoral markets, and sharing strategic information across communities.

State, Boundary, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Education, Gold, Information, Marché

Niger is facing a complex humanitarian crisis characterized by insecurity, food shortages, epidemics, flooding, and high malnutrition rates. In 2025, 2.2 million people—8% of the population—are projected to be in acute food insecurity. Armed conflict, administrative barriers to humanitarian access, and the suspension of USAID funding are worsening the situation. Acute malnutrition remains alarming: 1.7 million children are expected to be affected, including 412,000 with severe acute malnutrition. The most impacted regions are Diffa, Tahoua, Maradi, and Tillabéri. ACF operates in these areas with an integrated, multisectoral approach including health, nutrition, WASH, and food security, with special focus on displaced populations and pastoralists. Despite strong impact, only 12% of the response needs are currently funded. The report calls for urgent, coordinated, and adequately resourced action to prevent a worsening of the crisis.

Natural ressources, Security, Education, Family, Food security, Gold, Human security, Information, Insécurité, Malnutrition