This work examines the pivotal role of political parties in modern democracy. Parties embody and structure electoral competition, develop programs, mobilize citizens, and uphold the separation of powers. Confronting a global "democratic recession"—marked by curtailed freedoms, concentrated authority, corruption, and weakened independent media—the author positions parties as potential bulwarks. In West Africa, civic space restrictions and military interventions threaten democratic processes; parties can reintroduce dialogue, articulate social interests, and offer political alternatives. The text stresses the need for genuine pluralism: without party diversity, democracy cannot exist. The book also compares international dynamics (India, Brazil, Europe, United States), showing that challenges are global, and advocates strengthening parties through transparent structures, ethical leadership, and autonomy to restore public trust.

Political party, Political Power, Governance, Democracy, Political participation

The article "Beijing +30: Senegalese Women Still Awaiting Strong Political Commitment," written by Marième Cissé and published on May 30, 2025, on WATHI's website, examines the progress and ongoing challenges in gender equality in Senegal, 30 years after the Beijing Declaration. Despite advancements such as the parity law and policies against gender-based violence, obstacles remain, including stagnant female political representation, labor market inequalities, and persistent gender-based violence. The article emphasizes that these issues should not be sidelined but require strong political commitment and concrete actions to ensure genuine gender equality.

Governance, Gender, Women, Violence, EMPLOYMENT, Political participation, Inclusion, Equality, Women's rights

This report by the Gorée Institute highlights the critical role of women in strengthening democracy in the Sahel. Coinciding with International Women's Rights Day, the institute emphasizes that women are essential strategic partners in peace processes and governance. The document advocates for increased female participation in political processes, systematic gender considerations in public policies, and the empowerment of young women as catalysts for sustainable change. It underscores the necessity of recognizing and enhancing women's roles in addressing political crises and democratic challenges in the Sahel region.

Governance, Gender, Democracy, Women, Political participation

In her interview, Amayel Diop, a lecturer and researcher at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, discusses the challenges of women's participation in Senegalese politics. She highlights the difficulty women face in balancing family life and political engagement, particularly due to political meetings often being scheduled at times incompatible with their domestic responsibilities. Ms. Diop critiques the 2010 parity law, believing it has not achieved its goals due to a lack of enforcement mechanisms. She urges women to move beyond secondary roles and take on leadership positions. Emphasizing the importance of intellectual and financial empowerment, she advocates for greater solidarity among women to overcome persistent sociocultural barriers.

Inequality, Gender, Women, Political participation

The article titled "Nous ne sommes peut-être pas instruites mais nous avons beaucoup d’abnégation et savons qui nous sommes, avec beaucoup d’expérience sur le terrain politique" features the testimony of Adja Absa Laye Souaré, a fish seller and municipal councilor in Thiès, Senegal. Active in politics since 1986, she has successively been involved with the Socialist Party, the Senegalese Democratic Party, and later Rewmi. She emphasizes that, although some women lack formal education, they possess significant determination and political experience. Adja Absa Laye Souaré highlights the importance of active female participation in decision-making bodies and denounces their instrumentalization in politics. She calls for increased support to strengthen women's capacities and promote their access to leadership positions, considering their close ties with local populations as a major asset for local development.

Gender, Development, Women, Political participation, Inclusion

Mindzie and published by the International Peace Institute in 2015, examines the challenges and opportunities related to women's and youth participation in governance and development in the Sahel. It highlights institutional, socio-cultural, and economic barriers that hinder their involvement. The author proposes seven key priorities, including capacity building, poverty reduction, improving the implementation of existing policies, and creating bridges between groups. The article emphasizes the role of women's and youth movements, the media, and the private sector in fostering inclusive governance. It also underscores the importance of the "Women, Peace, and Security" agenda and advocates for a multisectoral approach to sustainable development.

Governance, Gender, Youth, Political participation

The article “Enhancing the Political Participation of Women and Youth”, written by Mireille Affa’a Mindzie and published by the International Peace Institute in 2015, examines the challenges and opportunities related to women's and youth participation in governance and development in the Sahel. It highlights institutional, socio-cultural, and economic barriers that hinder their involvement. The author proposes seven key priorities, including capacity building, poverty reduction, improving the implementation of existing policies, and creating bridges between groups. The article emphasizes the role of women's and youth movements, the media, and the private sector in fostering inclusive governance. It also underscores the importance of the "Women, Peace, and Security" agenda and advocates for a multisectoral approach to sustainable development.

Governance, Gender, Youth, Political participation

The "Gender at the Centre Initiative" commissioned a study to assess the integration of gender equality into the educational sector planning in Mauritania. This analysis focuses on the Triennial Budgeted Action Plan (PATB) 2019-2021, developed in 2012 under the leadership of the Ministry of Education and UNESCO. Findings indicate that, although there is a political effort to include gender considerations in educational policies, this initiative primarily addresses concerns from external stakeholders. Civil society organizations and technical and financial partners observe that gender issues are often raised by external actors, with the ministry showing less proactivity in this area. Furthermore, there is no clear mechanism for accountability, reporting, and monitoring the implementation of gender equality in education. Final decisions regarding the PATB are mainly made by the planning directorate, with limited coordination among various ministry departments, hindering constructive dialogue and effective integration of gender considerations into sectoral planning.

Governance, Gender, Women, Violence, Marginalisation, Political participation, Inclusion, Parity