In this article, Dr. Adamou Lagaré highlights the importance of national funding for scientific research in Niger. He argues that having such funding will allow researchers to focus more on specific national priorities, rather than aligning with the agendas of international donors. Dr. Lagaré highlighted that external funding is often directed towards themes that do not always correspond to local needs. He therefore advocates for an increase in national investment in research, in order to strengthen the country's scientific autonomy and better respond to Niger's health and socio-economic challenges.

Researh, Knowlege production, Politique publique, Scientific autonomy

The article entitled “Evaluation of the provision of care in emergency situations based on the establishment of advanced health posts in the town of Djibo, Burkina Faso, April 2022” analyzes the effectiveness of advanced health posts (PSAs) deployed in Djibo in response to an emergency situation in April 2022. The study examines how these PSAs improved access to health care for the local population in crisis situations. The results indicate increased use of health services and better accessibility for residents, thus contributing to a more effective health response in emergency contexts.

Governance, Health, Politique publique, Emergency, Accessibility

In the interview titled "Governments should start to realise that, in this part of the world, Africa, education is the most important area in which we can invest to develop any country...", published on November 12, 2024 on WATHI, Madun N. Marong, an Education Officer at the Gambia Ministry of Education, emphasizes the crucial importance of education in Africa. He outlines the teacher training programs in The Gambia, including the Diploma for primary school teachers and the Advanced Diploma for higher levels, both offered by the Gambia College, as well as the degree program provided by the University of The Gambia. Marong insists that African governments should allocate at least 20% of their budget to education, in line with United Nations recommendations, to ensure national development. He also highlights the need to recognize teachers as essential professionals and to provide them with adequate training to improve the quality of education.

Politics, Education, Politique publique

The article titled "African Demography and Migrations: Between Alarmism and Denial", written by Christian Bouquet and published on May 2, 2018, in The Conversation, examines Africa's demographic dynamics and their migratory implications. The author highlights that, despite sometimes questionable statistics, trends indicate a rapid growth of the African population, increasing from 640 million in 1990 to 1.256 billion in 2017. With an average fertility rate of 4.7 children per woman, Africa could reach 2.528 billion inhabitants by 2050 and 4.468 billion by 2100, then representing 40% of the world's population. This demographic growth sparks debates between alarmism and optimism regarding the continent's future. The author calls for a nuanced approach, avoiding both dramatization and denial, to address the challenges and opportunities associated with this evolution.

Governance, Migration, Politique publique, Démographie

The report entitled "Survey report on the perception of a migration policy among Senegalese civil society" was published by the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation on March 7, 2024. This report presents the results of a survey conducted between January 5 and February 10, 2023 in seven regions of Senegal: Dakar, Diourbel, Kolda, Louga, Saint-Louis, Sédhiou and Thiès. The objective was to collect the opinions of civil society on national migration policy. Participants expressed concerns about migration management, highlighting a lack of consultation and participation of local stakeholders in policy-making. They also highlighted the need for a more inclusive approach, taking into account local realities and the rights of migrants. The report recommends better collaboration between authorities and civil society to develop effective migration policies that respect human rights.

Migration, Human Rights, Civil Society, Politique publique

The WATHI article highlights the major challenges of mental health care in West Africa. Neuropsychiatric disorders account for 18% of the overall disease burden in the region, but states allocate less than 1% of their health budgets to them. This situation is compounded by a lack of qualified personnel and adequate infrastructure. Cultural beliefs and stigma associated with mental illness also hinder access to care. To improve the situation, the article recommends better training of health professionals, increased public awareness and integration of mental health services into primary health care.

Politique publique, Santé mentale

School violence in Africa is a major problem that affects students’ learning and mental health. Victims experience negative effects such as sleep disturbances, headaches, injuries, poor mental health, risky behaviors, and suicidal thoughts. These consequences result in economic losses estimated at $11 trillion in lifetime income globally. To address this situation, multi-component interventions involving various stakeholders are recommended. Whole-school approaches that integrate policies, practices, and values ​​are advocated. Group learning, fostering shared values ​​and addressing gender norms, as well as leadership opportunities for staff and students are also suggested. These interventions should be tailored to the specific school context and rigorously monitored. Initiatives in French-speaking Africa, such as that of the Graines de Paix association in Benin and Côte d’Ivoire, illustrate these good practices. Their program "Learn in Peace, Educate without Violence" aims to train teachers in non-violent classroom management techniques and to improve school dynamics.

Education, Politique publique, Santé mentale, Violence scolaire

This article analyses the Sahel crisis through the prism of young people, with reference to the case of Burkina Faso. In particular, it looks at the ways in which young people are involved in shaping and implementing security policies. The aim is to elucidate why, despite their political weight, young people are not yet strategic actors in the governance of this sovereign sector. Based on actor-centred institutionalism, the article highlights the influence of contexts and institutions on their participation strategies in the fight against insecurity. The results show that while government mechanisms for the inclusion of young people produce precarious effects, the alternative strategies promoted by the latter end in deadlock.

Security, Youth, Politique publique