Insecurity Insight’s Social Media Monitoring (SMM) for the Sahel tracks public sentiment towards the aid sector. Using selected keywords and proprietary AI, Insecurity Insight analyses social media posts and comments originating from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger based on IP addresses.
This summary covers findings from across the Sahel between January and April 2025.
Key Trends
- Social media engagement surged in late January and February following the USAID funding freeze, with nearly half of the 3,101 negative comments targeting USAID. However, interaction quickly dropped off suggesting deeper issues: reduced space for civic expression, growing self-censorship, and a shift to private messaging platforms. Criticism was not just about the funding cuts themselves, but also expressed broader frustration with perceived international disengagement.
- From January to April, state actions in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—including activist arrests, union dissolutions, and media crackdowns—have narrowed the operating space for LNGOs and international actors alike. This clampdown has dampened both physical and digital dialogue, contributing to mistrust and reduced visibility of aid efforts.
- Shrinking civic space and reduced donor support are not only constraining aid operations—they are also silencing public discourse. While no negative commentary targeted LNGOs between January and April, their online visibility and reach remain limited. Still, LNGOs face persistent challenges in amplifying their voice and connecting with wider audiences.