West Africa
31 Articles

The Just Security Podcast: Sudan Marks Two Years of War
Sudan marks two years of war this week. Where does the country and the international community trying to support it go from here?

Two Years of War in Sudan: From Revolution to Ruin and the Fight to Rise Again
As Sudan marks two years of brutal war between the Sudanese army and the RSF, the country stands at a dangerous crossroads.

Surge of Hate Speech in the Sahel, Including on WhatsApp, Signals Atrocity Risk
The threat is greatest in central Mali, but persecution of the Fulbe (Fulani) across the region seeds fertile ground for ethnic cleansing.

Beyond ‘Critical’ Minerals, Don’t Forget Gold’s Role as a Driver of Economic Growth — and Conflict
The UAE has begun to take corrective steps to rein in illicit gold trade. The incoming Trump administration could find lessons there.

To Challenge State Capture, the US Needs a Strategy of State Retrieval
The democratic world must side with pro-democracy, peace, and anti-corruption movements in Africa and act against corrupt networks.

In Shifting US Ties with Niger and Africa, Focus on Human Rights and Democracy to Strengthen Partnerships
After a series of coups in the region following years of counterterrorism cooperation, the US needs a new approach to recover its stride.

US Government’s $300 Million for West Africa — How to Make it Count
To turn the tide in democracies under stress, the US needs to balances near-term increases in stability with aid for democratic governance.

As Senate Considers New Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Human Rights Focus Would Strengthen US Policy
As government forces battle armed groups in Burkina Faso, civilians face daily abuses, even death, amid a range of violations of their security and their property. At least 6,201…

Amid Africa’s Spate of Coups, Improved Election Observation Will be Crucial to Transition
Whether observation missions in upcoming Sahel elections will help or hinder a return to civilian rule depends on a range of factors.

The Just Security Podcast: Counterterrorism and Human Rights (Part I Root Causes, Guantanamo, and Northeast Syria)
Perhaps no one is better equipped to consider the impact of counterterrorism on human rights than Fionnuala Ní Aoláin. This is Part 1 of a special two-part conversation.

Key Takeaways from September 28 House Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing on AUMF Reform
The HFAC hearing clarified the shallowness of the Biden administration’s conception of AUMF reform, divisions between the political branches and within the House, and the risks…

West Africa’s Grim Trajectory
The Niger coup is part of a cascade of crises that underscore democratic backsliding and the need for a broad regional strategy.