This article examines the determinants of willingness to pay (WTP) for flood insurance in urban Burkina Faso, with a particular focus on the role of information and information sources. The analysis is based on a field survey conducted in September 2022 among 593 individuals in Ouagadougou. The findings indicate that 71.3% of respondents are willing to pay for flood insurance, although most report a WTP lower than the expected loss. Being well informed about flood risks increases WTP, but the relationship is not proportional, as perfectly informed individuals may display lower WTP. Trust in government and private insurance providers, as well as ambiguity aversion, positively influence WTP, while reliance on family networks and risk aversion reduce it. The study highlights the importance of integrating information effects and communication channels into flood risk management and insurance demand policies in urban contexts.

Power, State, Natural ressources, Education, Family, Gold, Medias, Knowlege production, Information, water

The article argues that Mali’s crisis is also being fought through information and competing narratives. It begins with the media regulator’s decision to suspend LCI and TF1 (announced on 12 November 2025) and situates it within a broader tightening of media control since 2022, affecting both international and domestic outlets. The author highlights the rise of “patriotic” editorial framing and the growing influence of pro-government content creators (“videomans”) in shaping public opinion. Against the backdrop of attacks on fuel tankers, fuel shortages, and diplomatic warnings, he describes how official messaging clashes with sensational international coverage—especially speculation about Bamako’s possible fall—and with JNIM propaganda circulated on social media platforms. The piece also notes the emergence of counter-narratives (including from influencers on the ground) and concludes that this contested narrative ecosystem can shape perceptions of the crisis as much as events themselves.

Politics, Governance, Conflict, Medias, Information, Disinformation

The article examines the rise of pro-government NGOs in Nigeria, used by political elites to suppress independent civic voices. Historically resilient, Nigeria’s civil society has come under pressure as the government has become more illiberal, especially since Muhammadu Buhari took office in 2015. Over 360 pro-government NGOs—often unregistered, short-lived, and connected through overlapping patronage networks—have emerged to praise the regime, attack critics, manipulate public narratives, and legitimize authoritarian practices. These groups rely on sycophancy, ad hominem attacks, opaque funding, orchestrated media appearances, and ties with fringe news platforms. Their activities erode democracy by discrediting genuine civil society, undermining accountability, spreading anti-democratic discourse, and reducing the effectiveness of international support. The article also profiles key actors such as Philip Agbese and Bosede Ajibola and outlines policy recommendations to counter the growing influence of this “fake civil society.”

Governance, Medias, Civil Society, Disinformation

The article examines why Senegal’s democracy endured despite a major institutional crisis surrounding the postponement of the 2024 presidential election. When President Macky Sall cancelled the February vote, citing institutional conflict, civil society, opposition actors, and the Constitutional Council played decisive roles in protecting the rule of law. Despite political pressure, the judiciary invalidated the postponement, demonstrating its independence. At the same time, broad civic mobilization—including activists, scholars, journalists, and religious groups—demanded adherence to the constitutional electoral timeline. This combination of judicial firmness and collective citizen action enabled the organization of the March 24 election and a peaceful transition to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The article argues that Senegal’s resilience stems from a long-standing tradition of civic engagement, institutional dialogue, and public defense of democratic checks and balances.

Politics, Political party, Power, State, Natural ressources, Justice, Election, Gold, Social, Medias

The article highlights the situation of women journalists in Guinea-Bissau and the specific risks they face in their profession. Conducted by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) in December 2022, the study shows that women represent only about 20 % of media personnel in the country and frequently encounter sexual harassment, online threats, professional discrimination and organizational violence. They are often excluded from leadership positions, receive less training and protection, and confront entrenched cultural norms. The report warns of the lack of safety mechanisms tailored to their needs—both physical and digital—and calls on media organisations, unions and public authorities to adopt gender-sensitive protective measures, strengthen capacities and implement policies that explicitly address the safety of women journalists.

Politics, Governance, Gender, Women, Medias, Violence

The July 2023 military coup in Niger reversed a decade of democratic and socio-economic progress. Under democratically elected presidents Issoufou and Bazoum, Niger had made significant advances in security, economic growth, governance, and press freedom. Since the junta took power, these achievements have deteriorated: a 67% increase in terrorism-related deaths, economic decline, media repression, loss of civil liberties, and decreased transparency. The junta has also strengthened ties with Russia, enabling disinformation and controversial mining concessions. The dissolution of elected institutions and militarization of governance reflect a major crisis in national sovereignty and democratic order. This regression not only destabilizes Niger but has broader implications for West African regional stability.

State, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Peace, Justice, Education, Democracy, Gold, Human security, Medias, Infowar, Information

In this interview, Dr. Yacine Diagne, a political scientist and head of the radio department at CESTI, Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, advocates for the democratization of Senegal's media landscape. She emphasizes the importance of strengthening journalist training and promoting ethical and responsible information dissemination. Dr. Diagne highlights the need to combat misinformation, especially during electoral periods, by involving media outlets, institutions, and civil society. She underscores the crucial role of media in consolidating democracy and calls for balanced regulation that respects press freedom while ensuring the quality of disseminated information.

Governance, Democracy, Medias, Disinformation