Olivier Walther – The Conversation

JNIM has built its ranks with the proceeds of kidnapping. Wikimedia Commons

May 13, 2026

Kidnapping for ransom in the Sahel: analysis of 24 years of data shows a new trend

Alexander M. Laskaris, University of Florida and Olivier Walther, University of Florida

The kidnapping industry fuels insurgencies in Africa’s Sahel region.

L'armée malienne a eu du mal à contenir les éléments djihadistes dans le pays. Wikimedia Commons

November 4, 2025

Crise au Mali : ce que révèle le blocus djihadiste de Bamako

Olivier Walther, University of Florida; Alexander John Thurston, University of Cincinnati ; Baba Adou, University of Florida; Cory Dakota Satter, University of Florida, and Leonardo A. Villalón, University of Florida

En s’en prenant à Bamako, les djihadistes ne visent plus seulement des zones rurales : ils cherchent désormais à faire vaciller le pouvoir central.

Mali’s army has struggled to contain jihadist elements in the country. Wikimedia Commons

October 31, 2025

Jihadists have blockaded Mali’s capital. What’s at stake

Olivier Walther, University of Florida; Alexander John Thurston, University of Cincinnati ; Baba Adou, University of Florida; Cory Dakota Satter, University of Florida, and Leonardo A. Villalón, University of Florida

Bamako faces an uncertain future.

Les marchés frontaliers occupent une place importante dans le commerce du bétail en Afrique de l’Ouest. Wikimedia Commons Flickr

October 20, 2025

Afrique de l’Ouest : l'effondrement du système de surveillance commerciale met en péril la sécurité alimentaire

Olivier Walther, University of Florida; Andrea Apolloni, Cirad, and Lacey Harris-Coble, University of Florida

L'absence de données fiables sur le commerce en Afrique de l'Ouest, depuis 2022, entrave le suivi des échanges et compromet la prévention des crises alimentaires.

Border markets play a role in West Africa’s livestock trade. Wikimedia Commons/Flickr

October 13, 2025

West Africa’s trade monitoring system has collapsed ‑ why this is dangerous for food security

Olivier Walther, University of Florida; Andrea Apolloni, Cirad, and Lacey Harris-Coble, University of Florida

Good data is essential for mapping trade networks

Les routes sont un élément clé de la stratégie de conflit. Wikimedia Commons

June 19, 2025

Les routes d'Afrique de l'Ouest, terrain d'affrontements privilégié des groupes terroristes

Olivier Walther, University of Florida; Alexander John Thurston, University of Cincinnati , and Steven Radil, United States Air Force Academy

Il y a une concurrence féroce pour l'accès aux routes dans les zones de conflit.

Roads are a key part of conflict strategy. Wikimedia Commons

June 16, 2025

Highways to hell: west Africa’s road networks are the preferred battleground for terror groups

Olivier Walther, University of Florida; Alexander John Thurston, University of Cincinnati , and Steven Radil, United States Air Force Academy

There is fierce competition for access to roads in conflict zones

Ecowas president Omar Touray speaking at a meeting of heads of state and government in Abuja on 24 February 2024. Kola Sulaimon/AFP via Getty Images

January 29, 2025

West Africa is changing: five essential reads on breakaways from Ecowas

Adejuwon Soyinka, The Conversation

Scholars explain recent developments in Ecowas and the implications for the region.

Malians rally in support of their country’s exit from Ecowas. Photo by Ousmane Makaveli/AFP via Getty Images

February 14, 2024

West Africa trade will take a hit as Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso leave Ecowas

Olivier Walther, University of Florida

Border closures between Sahelian and coastal countries have had devastating consequences for the regional economy.

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