The article "Jihadist insurrection and illicit economies around W Park (Benin)" by Aziz Mossi and N'koué Emmanuel Sambieni explores the rise of jihadism in northern Benin and its link with illicit economies. It highlights the social and economic factors that lead to this insecurity, including youth unemployment, the marginalization of pastoral communities and the precariousness of security services. Armed groups exploit these vulnerabilities to establish themselves and finance their activities through trafficking in livestock, gold, medicines and fuel. W Park serves as a strategic refuge, offering jihadists a fertile ground for training and clandestine trade. The authors also analyze the reaction of the Beninese authorities, marked by increasing militarization and attempts to control sensitive areas. The study highlights the need for an integrated approach, combining socio-economic development and strengthening security.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Human security, Social, Researh, Knowlege production

The report “Rethinking Disability in Senegal: Analysis of Norms and Discourses on Disability” by Dr. Annick Nganya Tchamwa and Pr Abdou Salam Fall analyzes the social representations of disability in Senegal through a qualitative study using Nvivo software. It highlights the social and cultural constructions that influence the perception of disability, often assimilated to mystical beliefs or transgressions of social norms. The study also explores forms of discrimination and stigmatization, particularly in religion, family, access to social services and employment. People with disabilities face many obstacles, including institutional exclusion and difficulties in social and marital integration. However, the article also highlights the resilience strategies put in place, such as self-acceptance and community participation.

Power, Inequality, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Family, Gold, Social, Discrimination, Disability

The article "Security Crisis, Forced Mobility, and Survival and Resilience Strategies of Internally Displaced Women in Kaya Municipality, Burkina Faso" by Ousmane Diallo (Joseph KI ZERBO University of Ouagadougou) analyzes the impact of the humanitarian crisis in Burkina Faso on internally displaced women. Since 2019, growing insecurity has forced more than 1.85 million people to flee their homes. The study examines how internally displaced women in Kaya are adapting to this precarious situation by exploiting local economic opportunities. Using a qualitative and quantitative approach, it highlights the resilience strategies deployed: commercial activities, gold panning, material gathering, agricultural work, and vocational training. These women, often heads of households, face multiple challenges but develop initiatives to ensure the survival of their families despite insufficient humanitarian aid.

Gender, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Human security, Social, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

The report "The Brotherhood of Traditional Dozo Hunters in Côte d'Ivoire: Socio-Cultural Issues and Security Dynamics" by Fahiraman Rodrigue Koné explores the role of the Dozo brotherhood in Côte d'Ivoire, highlighting its socio-cultural foundations, security influence, and political implications. Historically rooted in Mandinka culture, the Dozos have expanded their role beyond hunting to become security actors due to the weakening of the state since the 1990s. Their collaboration with Ivorian security authorities, although unofficial, is ambivalent, oscillating between protecting populations and accusations of abuse. The study also analyzes their impact on political and ethnic polarization in Côte d'Ivoire. Finally, the report highlights the tension between their traditional status and their intervention in the formal security system.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Education, Gold, Human security, Social, Civil Society

The article analyzes health systems in West Africa and proposes actions to improve their efficiency. He noted the progress made, although hampered by conflicts and health crises like Ebola. States are struggling to finance their health systems, leading to inequalities in access to care. WATHI recommends five areas of action: strengthening prevention, training and better distributing health professionals, improving sector financing, optimizing the daily management of health infrastructures and developing research and regional cooperation. Emphasis is placed on the need for citizen and political commitment for sustainable reforms, taking into account the limited resources of the countries concerned.

State, Economic Development, Inequality, Religious education, Education, Development, Discrimination, Soicial sciences, Knowlege production, EMPLOYMENT

The article The Salafization of Nigerien Society Against the State analyzes the evolution of Salafism in Niger and its impact on society and the State. Since the July 2023 coup, three major forces have been competing for political influence: the military, the jihadists and the Salafists. The latter, although less visible, have a growing influence by spreading a fundamentalist religious ideology. The article traces the history of relations between Islam and the State in Niger, highlighting how Salafization has transformed the social and public sphere. However, it has not yet directly entered the political arena. Salafism presents itself as an alternative to Western models and corrupt regimes, attracting young people in particular. The author highlights the complexity of the situation and the ambiguity of the relations between Salafism, the State and international actors.

Politics, Political party, Power, State, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Gold, Social, Civil Society