The podcast examines the candidacy of Paul Biya, 92, for an eighth presidential term in Cameroon, calling it absurd and dangerous. In power since 1982, Biya is among the world’s longest-serving heads of state. The October 2025 election is expected to take place under questionable conditions, with growing dissent—including within his own party—and a high risk of violence. In the medium term, the most likely outcome is an unconstitutional succession, potentially led by the military, with severe regional repercussions given Cameroon’s borders with six unstable countries. The author stresses the role of political, economic, and social elites in enabling such power grabs. He concludes by highlighting that, despite the political crisis, many Cameroonian civic initiatives and organizations are working tirelessly for education, innovation, and the common good.

Politics, Governance, Election, Instabilité

The article examines Africa’s emergence as a critical stage in the strategic rivalry between the United States and China. The July 2025 mini‑summit hosted by Trump with five African leaders signals renewed American interest in a continent traditionally influenced by Sino‑American competition and other global powers. Africa, rich in natural resources—minerals, hydrocarbons—and strategically positioned (Suez, Bab-el‑Mandeb, Djibouti), has become a prime arena of global “neo‑imperialism.” Beijing wields influence through infrastructure projects—roads, hospitals, railways—in exchange for resources, causing high debt levels. Meanwhile, under Trump, US diplomacy counteracts China’s expansion. The article highlights that Africa fits into the broader geostrategic competition in the Indo‑Pacific, with China emerging as a systemic rival to the US through technological advancement and escalating global influence.

Politics, Governance, Natural ressources, Influence, Diplomacy

The "Country Profile – Niger," published on July 17, 2025, by the PASAS platform, analyzes 335 references about Niger. The document is structured around six themes: governance, security and conflict, peace and mediation, education and gender, economic development, and environment. Governance is shaped by shifting regional alliances (AES, ECOWAS), anti-French sentiment, and a dominant military approach. The security section highlights Sahel-wide crises, border violence, jihadist groups, national armies, and self-defense militias. Peacebuilding discussions include community resilience, women’s involvement, and the revival of customary justice systems. Education, mental health, and gender issues are addressed with a strong focus on youth vulnerability. Lastly, environmental challenges are explored through themes like climate change, pastoralism, and artisanal gold mining, revealing a complex intersection of ecological and economic dynamics.

Politics, Political party, Governance, Environment, Natural ressources, Security, Development, Gold, Human security, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

The article "Climate Change: Mitigation and Adaptation in the Sahel and West Africa", based on a dialogue by WATHI and the SWAC, highlights the region's growing vulnerability to climate change. Sahel and West Africa face rapid biodiversity loss, agro-pastoral conflicts, droughts, floods, and forced displacement. Urbanization and demographic pressure increase competition for resources. Panelists call for an energy transition based on renewables, improved water management, integration of local knowledge, and a shift in scientific research towards practical solutions. The report urges a rethinking of development policies through a sustainable, inclusive, and low-carbon lens.

Politics, Political party, Economic Development, Climate change, Natural ressources, Development, Gold, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

Published on July 7, 2025 by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, Paul Nantulya’s article explores the declining appeal of China’s transactional diplomacy in Africa, based on economic deals devoid of political conditions. This model now faces mounting criticism in several African countries. In Ghana, civil society organizations denounce environmental harm and opaque mining projects. In Sierra Leone, Chinese mining contracts are increasingly questioned. In Nigeria, despite strong bilateral ties, concerns grow about trade imbalances. In Senegal, tensions emerge around Chinese port infrastructure. These cases reveal a growing disillusionment in West Africa, where citizens demand more transparency, fairer deals, and local benefits. The author urges a restructuring of China-Africa partnerships to focus on good governance and African-led development priorities.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Peace, Justice, Mediation, Gold, Dialogue, Diplomacy

In this article, Paul Nantulya examines China’s growing security footprint in Africa, reflecting the Communist Party’s global ambitions. Through the 2025–2027 FOCAC action plan, Beijing expands military cooperation: training programs, joint drills, arms exports, and infrastructure support. Countries such as Tanzania, Senegal, Kenya, and Namibia are central partners. While China offers affordable weaponry and avoids political conditionality, its governance model—focused on regime stability—raises concerns. Chinese arms have ended up in the hands of militants, and surveillance technology is often used to suppress political dissent. Though many African governments see Chinese support as strategic, civil societies fear increased authoritarian tendencies. China's security engagement is expected to continue growing, underscoring the need for transparency, stronger export controls, and civic oversight to ensure it aligns with citizens’ interests.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Military activity, Human security, Information

On May 27, 2025, WATHI and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation held a roundtable in Dakar to examine Senegal’s economic situation in light of the Senegal 2050 Agenda, following President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s election. A public finance audit revealed a budget deficit of 11.7% of GDP and a central government debt of 105.7%. The Senegal 2050 Plan aims to foster inclusive growth, reduce poverty, decentralize the economy, and strengthen national sovereignty. Discussions highlighted major structural issues: weak tax performance, lack of transparency, and a struggling informal sector. Participants called for fiscal reform, stronger parliamentary oversight, investments in education, and gender-sensitive policies. Economic trust and governance are seen as key. Experts stressed the need for coordinated action among public, private, and civil society stakeholders to achieve sustainable development and inclusive prosperity.

Politics, Political party, State, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Education, Development, Gold, Soicial sciences, Researh

On June 6, 2025, young Togolese protesters mobilized in several cities, notably Lomé, to denounce the enduring regime of Faure Gnassingbé, in power since 2005 and heir of a political dynasty that has ruled Togo for over 50 years. This mobilization reflects a broader pan-African youth uprising, where young people challenge locked, illegitimate, or neo-colonial political systems. The article highlights similar movements elsewhere in Africa: in the Sahel against French military presence, in Kenya against anti-social economic policies, and in the Democratic Republic of Congo regarding government inaction on persistent insecurity. The author, Bah Traoré, examines the “myth of the political and social struggle,” suggesting that these movements represent demands for renewal, democratic alternation, and a desire for sociopolitical transformation through youth-driven popular revolts.

Politics, Governance, Youth, Social, Crisis, Pan-Africanism

The “Ça fait débat avec Wathi” episode highlights that the moral failure of many political leaders worldwide threatens democracy and social peace. Guests emphasize that abuses of power, corruption, populism, and disregard for public ethics fuel violence and fear of the future. This crisis of trust affects both major Western democracies and African nations, where authoritarian drift undermines social cohesion. The speakers call for an ethical renewal, the restoration of integrity, and accountability from leaders to prevent conflict escalation and safeguard democratic balance.

Politics, Bribery, Governance, Peace, Democracy, Violence