Promoting good governance rather than economic development could be even more effective in providing West Africans with the hope that they can live fulfilling lives in their own countries of origin. This was a key message from the SWAC/OECD webinar, “Identifying the factors driving West African migration”, which took place on 27 September. Read on

The G5 Sahel Security College was inaugurated on 16 September in Bamako during a meeting chaired by Salif Traoré, the Malian minister in charge of internal security and civic protection. The college aims to train security forces and build a network of people involved in security activities, inclduing police agents, judges, religious authorities and civil society leader. Four dedicated training centres focus on military intelligence (Chad), border security (Niger), criminal police (Burkina Faso) and training services (Mauritania). Read on

China announced USD 60 billion in additional financing to support Africa’s development at the 3rd Forum for Africa-China Co-operation (FOCAC) Summit, which was held in Beijing on 3-4 September. The biggest Africa event in China brought together leaders from nearly all African countries (except Swaziland), Chinese officials and representatives from the African Union Commission. The Beijing Declaration outlined a new commitment called, “Toward an even stronger China-Africa community with a shared future.” The declaration is supported by a 2019-21 action plan. Burkina Faso and Gambia joined the forum as new members. Read on

The French Development Agency (AFD) unveiled its new development strategy for the next five years on 3 September. Drawing on an extensive consultation process, France intends to refocus and boost its development co-operation to build “A World in Common” that preserves and protects five common goods: people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership. The new strategy has five strategic priorities and commitments. Read on