The study on traditional justice in the Sahel, carried out in two phases (2020 and 2022), analyzes the articulation between customary and state justice systems for better access to justice. It highlights the growing support of populations, including young people, for traditional justice, in the face of mistrust of formal justice, often perceived as inaccessible or inequitable. The study is based on a comparative and multidisciplinary approach, with a particular focus on the rights of women and children. The results show that customary systems, although legitimate in the eyes of the populations, have limitations, particularly in the protection of human rights. The study proposes a hybrid model integrating customary, religious, and formal justice to improve access to justice. Finally, it recommends the transcription of customary rules and awareness-raising on human rights to strengthen their complementarity with formal justice.

Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Political Violence, Gold, Violence, Customs, Threat, Researh, Knowlege production

The article "A Community-Based Edutainment Intervention for Gender-Based Violence, Sexual and Reproductive Health, and Maternal and Child Health in Rural Senegal: A Process Evaluation" analyzes a community-based edutainment intervention in Senegal to address gender-based violence (GBV), sexual and reproductive health (SRH), and maternal and child health (MCH). The intervention involves showing the television series C'est la Vie! through viewing clubs in rural villages, followed by thematic discussions and workshops. The study examines the program's adaptation, implementation, and participant response. Despite adjustments related to the rural context, the intervention achieved good participant engagement, although some topics, including sexuality and family planning, remain sensitive. The study concludes that this format is promising for community education but requires greater inclusion of men and further cultural adaptation.

Gender, Political Violence, Education, Rural Areas, Violence, Threat, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production, EMPLOYMENT

The report "Responding to Insecurity in Liptako-Gourma" by Ibrahim Maïga, published by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in March 2021, examines the strategies implemented to address the growing insecurity in the Liptako-Gourma region (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger). The report highlights the shortcomings of military and security approaches, often based on a limited understanding of instability factors such as violent extremism, local conflicts, and illicit activities. Despite various stabilization efforts, results remain inconsistent, emphasizing the need for a more holistic approach integrating security, development, and governance. The study recommends enhancing civilian protection, improving coordination, and engaging in dialogue with extremist groups. Judicial inaction and human rights violations further exacerbate tensions, making a reassessment of current strategies urgent.

State, Natural ressources, Security, Jihad, Mediation, Gold, Human security, Threat, Dialogue, Insécurité

The research report “From “all security” to diplomatic dialogue: should we consider negotiated stability in the Sahel? » by Baba Dakono, published in January 2022 by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), examines the security situation in the Sahel, particularly in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. It highlights the ineffectiveness of military responses and the growing interest in negotiations with armed groups. The study highlights that fragile states in the region fail to integrate border zones into their national policies, which favors the rise of extremist groups. Despite international interventions (Barkhane, MINUSMA, G5 Sahel), violence persists and calls for political solutions are growing louder.Local dialogues already exist but remain limited due to a centralized approach. The study recommends a holistic dialogue approach, involving all stakeholders, to achieve lasting peace.

Natural ressources, Security, Peace, Political Violence, Mediation, Gold, Human security, Violence, Threat, Dialogue

The article titled "The Role of Customary Institutions in Building Youth Resilience to Violence" examines how traditional structures in sub-Saharan Africa help strengthen youth resilience against violence. The authors point out that current policies often focus on youth involved in violence, overlooking the majority who choose peaceful paths. This focus can perpetuate negative stereotypes about African youth. By exploring the reasons why most young people do not resort to violence, the study highlights the crucial role of customary institutions in conflict prevention and mediation. These traditional structures provide support mechanisms and conflict resolution methods tailored to local contexts, thus promoting social cohesion and peace. The authors call for increased recognition and integration of these institutions into violence prevention strategies.

Security, Political Violence, Education, Human security, Violence, Customs, Threat, Soicial sciences, Knowlege production, Institution

The article “Youth and Countering Violent Extremism in Africa”, written by Medhane Tadesse and published by the African Security Sector Network (ASSN) in 2022, examines the radicalization of young people in Africa and their involvement in violent extremism. It is based on research commissioned by the International Development Research Center (IDRC) which analyzed young people's experiences of violence, exclusion and injustice in 12 African countries. The study highlights that policies to combat violent extremism (P/CVE) are often ineffective because they do not take into account the voices of young people and women. Emphasis is placed on including young people in public policies to strengthen community resilience and reduce their vulnerability to extremist groups. The article proposes alternative approaches based on social inclusion, civic engagement and the participation of local actors, rather than repressive approaches.

Security, Political Violence, Education, Youth, Human security, Violence, Threat, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

The article “Gender, violence and violent extremism in Africa” by Fredline M'Cormack-Hale, published by the African Security Sector Network (ASSN) in 2022, explores the link between gender, violence and violent extremism (VE) in Africa. It draws on 14 research projects in 12 African countries to understand why young people, including women, join or resist extremist groups. The study demonstrates that women are not only victims, but also actors of EV, playing various roles ranging from logistical support to direct participation in combat. Researchers emphasize the importance of inclusive policies adapted to local specificities, integrating women not only as beneficiaries, but also as stakeholders in strategies to combat extremism. The article also emphasizes the need for policies facilitating the reintegration of women who have left these extremist groups.

Gender, Security, Political Violence, Education, Human security, Violence, Threat, Soicial sciences, Knowlege production, EMPLOYMENT

The jihadist insurgency in the Sahel, initially imported, has become endogenized, rooted in local and social conflicts. Jihadist groups control vast territories and impose “indirect government”, based on sharia, terror and the protection of populations against bandits. Despite external interventions (Minusma, Barkhane, G5 Sahel), jihadist expansion continued. National armies, crucial to the fight, suffer from corruption, violence against civilians and the absence of a security strategy. Local militias, often ethnic, exacerbate tensions. The use of Russian forces (Wagner) in Mali has not reversed the dynamic. A profound reform of national armies, the eradication of corruption and better security of populations are essential to counter this threat.

Power, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Education, Gold, Human security, Threat, Researh, Knowlege production

The article “When the community influences public authorities: women mobilized in West Africa” by Larissa Kojoué, published by the Population & Development Center (Ceped, Université Paris Cité – IRD), explores the way in which collective mobilizations of women in West Africa have influenced public policies in recent years. Through several examples (Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal, Ivory Coast), he highlighted collective actions that led to major political reforms, notably the criminalization of rape, the protection of young girls in school and the fight against sexist violence. The article emphasizes the role of African activists who, beyond international influences, have shaped their own movements with demands adapted to local realities. However, it also highlights persistent challenges, such as the regression of rights under political pressure, security crises and the influence of religious conservatism.

Politics, Political party, State, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Political Violence, Gold, Violence, Threat