The report “Armed Groups and the Conflict Economy in National Parks of Burkina Faso, Niger and Benin” examines the growing control of violent extremist groups (notably JNIM and ISSP) over the WAP complex (W, Arly, and Pendjari parks). These groups leverage illicit economies (smuggling, gold mining, poaching) and state absence to impose alternative governance through zakat and protection in exchange for access to natural resources. The report highlights long-standing local grievances, land disputes, weak state presence, and evolving intercommunal tensions. Armed groups use these dynamics to expand toward coastal countries. Relations between communities, park rangers, and the state are tense, often marked by abuse, mistrust, and violence. WAP thus becomes a strategic zone for consolidating armed control and illicit logistics. The report urges a coordinated response blending security, governance, and development strategies to address structural vulnerabilities.

State, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Conflict, Political Violence, Gold, Human security, Threat, Civil Society

The report “An Assessment of the Experiences and Vulnerabilities of Pastoralists and At-Risk Groups in the Atakora Department of Benin” explores the root causes of agro-pastoral conflicts and the recruitment strategies of violent extremist organizations (VEOs) in northern Benin. Conducted by Elva Community Engagement in 2022, the study reveals that land reforms, forced sedentarization, socio-political marginalization (particularly of Fulani groups), and intercommunal tensions have been exploited by groups such as JNIM and ISGS. Youth and women are especially vulnerable due to economic exclusion and restrictive social systems. The report also highlights weak local resilience mechanisms and the need for community-driven interventions. Despite rising insecurity, trust in state-led security efforts remains relatively high among local populations.

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

This report explores major geopolitical shifts in West Africa, notably the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS and the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). It highlights the erosion of trust in regional institutions, the increasing presence of external powers (Russia, China, Turkey), and the risk of renewed proxy conflicts. The author advocates for a more inclusive and responsive diplomacy focused on grassroots realities. The report calls for a reimagining of regional integration—one that strengthens civil society, local peacebuilding, and democratic governance. It insists on restoring citizen trust, shifting from punitive approaches to constructive dialogue, and embracing leadership rooted in local needs and values. Ultimately, it offers a vision for sustainable peace based on justice, inclusion, and community empowerment.

Governance, Civil Society

Since 2011, North and West Africa have experienced escalating violence, averaging 3,300 violent events and 12,600 deaths annually between 2015 and 2019. This trend worsened in 2020-2021, with 6,800 events and 18,000 deaths per year. The epicenter of violence has shifted to Nigeria and the border area between Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Civilian-targeted violence has surged by 500% in West Africa since 2016, due to the proliferation of actors such as extremist groups, community militias, and self-defense forces. In 2021, 60% of victims were located within 100 km of a border. The Spatial Conflict Dynamics indicator (SCDi), developed by SWAC/OECD, maps conflict evolution and identifies critical areas, notably Lake Chad, the tri-border region, and Nigeria.

Governance, Boundary, Security, Conflict, Extremism, Violence

This participatory research report, based on consultations with 1,155 individuals in Burkina Faso’s Cascades region, analyzes how armed conflict affects mental health, social cohesion, and livelihoods. It identifies four trauma-related psychological profiles: hyperactivity, avoidance, dissociation, and re-experiencing. The study highlights key triggering and sustaining factors, including social disruption, displacement, weakened livelihoods, and a loss of trust in institutions. Findings demonstrate the deep interconnection between mental health, social cohesion, and economic resilience. The report advocates for a holistic approach combining trauma prevention, community dialogue, and livelihood support. It also recommends using local cultural practices—such as intergenerational dialogue and communal farming—to help rebuild the social fabric and promote sustainable peace.

Power, Natural ressources, Security, Peace, Education, Family, Gold, Human security, Social, Knowlege production

Since April 2023, the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has led to the mass displacement of civilians into eastern Chad. This report, published by SIPRI in partnership with BUCOFORE, is based on perception surveys, qualitative interviews, and focus group discussions held in four refugee camps. It explores the lived experiences of displaced Sudanese women and girls, who face significant barriers to accessing food, reproductive health services, water, sanitation, and safety. The report highlights the chronic underfunding of humanitarian responses and the lack of gender-sensitive aid, both of which heighten the risks of gender-based violence. It offers concrete recommendations to policymakers, humanitarian organizations, and donors to improve the protection and support provided to refugee women and girls.

Human Rights, Women, Violence, refugee, Déplacement forcé, Crise humanitaire

Since December 2021, Northern Benin has experienced escalating violence linked to violent extremist groups (VEOs), notably Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS). Initially confined to national parks, the violence has spread to populated areas. The report emphasizes that these threats primarily originate from neighboring countries—Burkina Faso, Niger, Togo, and Nigeria—rather than internal Beninese tensions. VEOs utilize Benin as a strategic buffer zone to evade regional military pressure and expand their influence. The report recommends enhanced regional coordination and cross-border programs to effectively address this threat.

Boundary, Security, Extremism, Violence, Groupes armés

Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi’s report explores France’s military strategy against jihadist groups, particularly in the Sahel, revealing a lack of transparent legal justification. Unlike the U.S., which has openly articulated legal frameworks for its war on terror, France maintains silence, although its strategic documents and actions imply an extensive interpretation of international law. The author argues that France mirrors U.S. legal narratives by stretching the boundaries of jus ad bellum and jus in bello to legitimize ongoing military operations. Drawing on French parliamentary records and strategic reports, the paper highlights how France frames its fight as a generalized and indefinite war against jihadist groups. This implicit legal approach allows France to operate across borders and time without explicit legal constraint. Mignot-Mahdavi warns that such legal ambiguity normalizes endless conflict and undermines accountability, challenging the international rule of law.

Governance, Security, Terrorism, Counter terrorism, Crise humanitaire

The report “Climate Change, Development and Security in the Central Sahel”, published in June 2021, explores how climate change impacts development and security in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. It highlights the links between climate stress, food insecurity, human mobility, and conflict. Climate change exacerbates existing vulnerabilities such as poverty, inequality, armed group proliferation, and social tensions. The study argues that current responses, often overly focused on militarised security, fail to address local realities. Instead, it recommends integrated and context-sensitive strategies to enhance resilience. These include supporting sustainable livelihoods, acknowledging mobility as a coping mechanism, and reinforcing local conflict-resolution systems. The report also advocates for more coherent European and international policies that align climate adaptation with peacebuilding and development goals.

Economic Development, Climate change, Security, Conflict, Education, Development, Food security, Human security, Threat, Knowlege production