This article examines the emergence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), created in 2023 by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following a series of military coups. The author situates the AES within the broader trajectory of Sahelian securitization, rooted in counterterrorism strategies implemented since the early 2000s. Drawing on securitization and resilience theories, the study argues that AES regimes promote a form of “maintenance resilience,” aimed at preserving an already securitized political order rather than addressing the structural drivers of insecurity. Despite official narratives emphasizing sovereignty, rupture, and anti-imperialism, the Alliance largely reproduces existing security logics and dependencies, particularly through new external military partnerships. The analysis highlights how the dominance of security-based governance reinforces the suspension of democratic processes and limits prospects for political transformation. Ultimately, the article questions the capacity of the AES to provide a sustainable and inclusive response to the Sahel’s multidimensional crises.

Politics, Political party, State, Governance, Natural ressources, Security, Political Violence, Human security, Violence, Threat

The article examines ten key trends that shaped Africa’s security landscape in 2025, using graphical and comparative data. It highlights the growing regionalization of conflicts, particularly the fragmentation of Sudan, which has become the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. The Sahel remains the deadliest region for Islamist militant violence, with security conditions worsening significantly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following military coups. Political instability is closely linked to democratic backsliding, increasing impunity, and abuses of power. The article also emphasizes intensifying geopolitical competition, notably the expanding security and economic presence of China, Russia, and Gulf states across the continent. Technological changes, especially the widespread use of drones, are transforming the nature of warfare and increasing risks to civilians. Despite these challenges, the article notes partial but meaningful progress toward the African Union’s Agenda 2063, particularly in infrastructure development, regional connectivity, and continental economic integration.

Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Political Violence, Human security, Violence, Threat

The report demonstrates a sharp deterioration of Mali’s security situation since the military junta seized power in 2020. Violence by militant Islamist groups has surged and now covers every region, including areas close to Bamako. Maps throughout the report (pp. 1–4) show the rapid geographic expansion of attacks. In 2023, Mali is on track to exceed 1,000 violent events, nearly triple the level recorded when the junta took power. Focused on consolidating its rule, the junta alienated regional and international security partners and demanded the withdrawal of the 15,000-strong UN mission (MINUSMA), pushing northern Mali to the brink of renewed civil war. The arrival of Russia-linked Wagner forces has worsened abuses, with more than 320 human rights violations documented. In the center and south, FLM, JNIM, and ISGS have strengthened their operations. State authority is collapsing as civilians face escalating attacks, instability, and governance breakdown.

Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Political Violence, Human security, Violence, Threat

Africa is experiencing a historic surge in forced displacement, with 45.7 million people uprooted, representing 3% of the continent’s population . Conflict is the main driver, as 96% of displaced populations originate from countries affected by armed violence. Sudan has become the epicenter, recording 14.4 million forcibly displaced people, including 10 million internally displaced—the highest figure worldwide. Regional conflicts increasingly overlap: 8 of the 11 African countries hosting the most refugees are themselves in conflict, highlighting the interconnected crises of the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and the Lake Chad Basin. Burkina Faso accounts for one of the largest internal displacement crises. Some fragile improvements appear in Ethiopia and the DRC due to returns in partially stabilized regions. Meanwhile, natural disasters—mainly floods—have increased forced displacement by 33%, adding 5.6 million new victims and compounding the vulnerability of populations already affected by conflict.

Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Political Violence, Human security, Violence, Threat, Civil Society, Crisis, Déplacement forcé

The article examines the expansion of Jama’at Nasrat al Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) into western and southern Mali, marked by seven coordinated attacks launched by the Macina Liberation Front (FLM) on July 1, 2025. These operations targeted Kayes and Nioro du Sahel—two strategic economic and religious hubs—opening a new front far from the group’s traditional strongholds in central and northern Mali. JNIM’s strategy aims to isolate Bamako by attacking key trade routes, fuel convoys, and industrial sites, causing shortages, rising prices, and severe disruption of commercial activity. Despite strengthened military checkpoints, ambushes continue, resulting in kidnappings, destroyed tankers, and population displacement toward Senegal and Mauritania. The FLM’s growing reach, combined with the junta’s increasing political repression and its break with international security partners, deepens Mali’s fragmentation and heightens risks for neighboring coastal states.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Political Violence, Human security, Violence, Threat

This article highlights the role of Professional Military Education (PME) institutions in fostering professional, apolitical African armies committed to constitutional defense and democratic governance. The urgency to strengthen PME has grown amid rising military politicization and a wave of coups since 2020 (Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Sudan). Africa hosts over 118 military schools, including War Colleges, Staff Colleges, and Military Academies across the continent. However, the mere existence of these institutions does not guarantee stronger professionalism: their impact depends on curriculum quality, democratic values integration, and robust civil-military relations. Surveys show young African officers hold strong ideals of public service, but these must be reinforced by tailored, context-sensitive training. The article stresses that not all countries require costly war colleges; regional cooperation can fill gaps. Strengthening PME is presented as a key step to professionalize African militaries and support democratic transitions.

Politics, Political party, Power, State, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Human security, Threat

The article examines the constitutional referendum held in Guinea on September 21, 2025, by Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya’s junta. While presented as a step toward democracy, the process primarily aims to entrench military power. The draft constitution allows junta members to run for elections, extends the presidential term from five to seven years, and grants the executive significant control over Parliament and electoral management. Opposition parties and civil society are sidelined through suspensions, arrests, and enforced disappearances, while media freedoms are heavily curtailed. Despite Afrobarometer surveys showing strong popular support for democracy and civilian rule, the climate of fear, institutional manipulation, and lack of transparency prevent fair contestation. The article stresses that the referendum continues Guinea’s long history of military and authoritarian governance and warns that it could profoundly affect the country’s political and economic stability in the years to come.

Politics, Political party, Power, State, Natural ressources, Political Violence, Democracy, Election, Threat, Transition

The article “A Growing Divergence of Narratives around Security in Burkina Faso” examines the communication strategy of the military junta led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré since the September 2022 coup. While the regime portrays itself as regaining territory, fostering economic innovation, and protecting civilians, evidence points to a worsening reality: nearly 18,000 deaths linked to jihadist violence in three years, an 87% rise in civilian casualties, and loss of control over 70% of national territory. The economy has suffered from collapsing gold and cotton production and a sharp decline in foreign investment. The humanitarian crisis is escalating, with millions displaced, thousands of schools and health centers shut down, and multiple simultaneous epidemics. The article highlights the growing gap between official narratives and empirical realities, amplified by disinformation campaigns orchestrated with Russian support. This divergence poses serious challenges for governance, regional stability, and democratic principles.

Natural ressources, Security, Political Violence, Education, Human security, Influence, Violence, Threat, Information

The Mali country profile compiles 479 references spanning governance, security, peace, education, gender, economy, and environment. On governance, it highlights the democratic backsliding in the Sahel and debates around the “fetishization” of elections, while proposing alternative forms of substantive democracy. The security section (178 references) explores the organization of jihadist groups (JNIM, AQMI), their identity dynamics (notably among the Fulani), resource bases (gold mining, drug trafficking), and counter-responses (local militias, Wagner). Peace and mediation studies emphasize intercommunal dialogue, inclusivity, and the role of civil society and women. Education and youth analyses discuss girls’ access to schooling, gender-based violence, and youth employment. Economic studies examine debt sustainability, the implications of ECOWAS withdrawal, and women’s entrepreneurship. Environmental and pastoralist issues are presented as direct sources of conflict—“polycrises” linking climate change, resource competition, and insecurity. Overall, the report reflects the complexity of Mali’s crises and their regional dimensions

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Security, Jihad, Political Violence, Education, Human security, Threat