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

n 2025, Mauritania is experiencing a complex humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing insecurity, climate change, and a significant influx of 318,000 Malian refugees and 55,000 returning Mauritanians. During the lean season (June–September), an estimated 590,452 people will face acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3+), particularly in the Hodh Chargui region. While agro-pastoral conditions are generally favorable, localized floods and high food prices are straining vulnerable households. Action Against Hunger's emergency response has improved food diversity, coping strategies, and key nutritional indicators. Despite being a socioeconomic pillar, pastoralism is increasingly threatened by environmental degradation and cross-border pressures. Stronger partner support is crucial to prevent conflicts and build long-term resilience.

Gender, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Food security, Gold, Human security, refugee, Information, Malnutrition, Emergency

The Pastoral Surveillance Bulletin of Mauritania for February-March 2025 reports an overall satisfactory situation despite a decline in pastoral resources due to bushfires and increased livestock pressure, particularly in Hodh Chargui. Grazing resources remain generally available, and livestock body condition is good. However, suspected outbreaks of animal diseases, including peste des petits ruminants and foot-and-mouth disease, are reported. The bulletin also highlights the ongoing arrival of Malian refugees, increasing strain on resources and infrastructure. Market assessments show variable commodity prices, with unfavorable terms of trade for herders in certain areas. Support actions such as livestock e-tagging have been implemented. Recommendations emphasize strengthening resilience, improving animal health awareness, and mitigating potential conflicts in agropastoral zones.

State, Economic Development, Pastoralism, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Human security, Information, Marché

The article "The Emergence of 'Vidéomans' in Mali: Between Popular Expression and Tool of Disinformation" by Bah Traoré, published on March 28, 2025, by WATHI, examines the phenomenon of "vidéomans" in Mali. These influencers use social media to comment on national news through live videos, a trend that emerged between 2015 and 2018 with the rise of platforms like Facebook and YouTube. Initially focused on various topics, vidéomans have gradually shifted towards more politicized discourse, notably criticizing government management and foreign interference, particularly from France. Their growing influence led the Malian government to organize a workshop from March 6 to 8, 2025, bringing together several vidéomans to strengthen its communication and counter disinformation. However, the article highlights that the information disseminated by these vidéomans is not always accurate, posing challenges regarding information reliability.

Governance, Information, Numérique, Disinformation

The policy brief "Possible Approaches to Address Deteriorating France-Africa Relations" explores the decline in relations between France and several African countries, particularly in the Sahel. These tensions stem from paternalistic policies and the colonial legacy, exacerbated by recent crises, such as the expulsion of ambassadors and the withdrawal of French troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The article advocates breaking away from variable-geometry diplomacy and securitized approaches while promoting a decolonial perspective on bilateral relations. It highlights the need to reform diplomatic practices, support local citizen movements, and implement inclusive policies to rebuild trust. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of repatriating cultural artifacts and fully acknowledging the colonial legacy.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Gold, Cooperation, Dialogue, Information

Le policy brief "Approches possibles pour améliorer les relations France-Afrique" examine la dégradation des relations entre la France et plusieurs pays africains, notamment au Sahel. Ces tensions découlent de politiques paternalistes et de l’héritage colonial, aggravés par des crises récentes comme les expulsions d’ambassadeurs et le retrait des troupes françaises de pays comme le Mali, le Burkina Faso et le Niger. L'article recommande de rompre avec la diplomatie à géométrie variable et les approches sécuritaires, tout en promouvant une vision décoloniale des relations bilatérales. Il met en avant la nécessité de réformer les pratiques diplomatiques, de soutenir les mouvements citoyens locaux, et d’engager des politiques inclusives pour restaurer la confiance. Enfin, il souligne l'importance de restituer les œuvres culturelles et de reconnaître pleinement l'héritage colonial.

Power, State, Security, Conflict, Human security, Influence, Cooperation, Threat, Dialogue, Information

The Media Foundation for West Africa report, published in December 2022, examines the evolution of press freedom in Mauritania in 2021. Following the election of President Mohamed Cheikh El Ghazouani in 2019, a democratic opening was initiated, including a national dialogue. However, private media, which appeared in 1990, continue to face major challenges. Although the decriminalization of press offenses in 2006 was a step forward, ambiguous laws still allow for censorship and harsh sanctions. The High Authority for the Press and Audiovisual (HAPA), created to regulate the sector, is often perceived as lacking independence. The absence of a specific law on access to information complicates the work of journalists, while public media remain biased in favor of the government. In 2021, the rise of social media provided new platforms for expression, but also led to attempts at state control.

Information, Réseaux sociaux, Liberté de presse

This study examines the role of religious actors in Senegal's electoral landscape, focusing on the interplay between religion and politics in a culturally diverse context. Religious leaders, influential figures in Senegal, serve multiple roles: mediators during crises, sources of electoral mobilization, and sometimes controversial actors in political and social spheres. The study highlights complex dynamics between tradition and modernity, with young people expressing mixed trust in religious leaders. It also underscores the growing importance of digital media in conveying religious and political messages and explores perceptions across coastal and border areas. With the 2024 presidential election approaching, the study offers insights into the sustainability of religious influence within an evolving sociopolitical environment.

Political Power, Religion, Influence