Support for civil society organisations in the Sahel

Context

The Sahel is undergoing significant social, demographic and digital transformations that are shaping the dynamics of civic participation, local governance and social cohesion. In this context, civil society organisations play a key role in bringing people closer to decision-making processes, facilitating dialogue within communities and promoting respect for human rights. In particular, they help to create an environment conducive to the participation of vulnerable groups, to public debate based on reliable information and to the peaceful resolution of disputes – three essential drivers of trust, social cohesion and community resilience.

Objectives

The Support for civil society organisations in the Sahel project aims to strengthen the contribution of civil society to social cohesion, constructive dialogue and inclusive governance in the countries where it operates.

It supports initiatives that promote the civic participation of young people, women and other vulnerable groups, enabling them to play an active role in their communities and in local development processes. The project also promotes access to reliable information and encourages pluralistic and respectful exchanges, thereby helping to build trust and improve social cohesion. Finally, it supports local mechanisms for the prevention and resolution of disputes that foster dialogue, inclusion and respect for human rights.

Through these actions, the project contributes to strengthening the capacity of local stakeholders and to the development of more resilient, inclusive and engaged communities.

Beneficiaries

The direct beneficiaries are national and regional civil society organisations active in Burkina Faso, Niger and Senegal. Indirect beneficiaries include community-based organisations, youth and women’s associations, community radio stations, moderate religious leaders, local and traditional authorities, as well as stakeholders in the justice sector. The final beneficiaries are the populations living in the intervention areas, with particular attention given to young people, women and vulnerable groups.

Target geographical area

The project covers three Sahelian countries: Burkina Faso, Niger and Senegal. Activities are primarily implemented at local level, within the intervention areas of the partner organisations. In Senegal, activities are carried out notably in the regions of Tambacounda, Dakar, Thiès and Saint-Louis. The project also promotes the sharing of experiences and mutual learning among partners at regional level.

Stakeholders

The project is implemented in collaboration with a wide range of civil society actors, community-based organisations, youth and women’s associations, local media, community leaders and other stakeholders committed to social cohesion, civic participation and the promotion of human rights. This approach fosters synergies among local and regional actors in order to enhance the impact and sustainability of actions within communities.