In this episode, Kah Walla sits down with Gilles Yabi, Executive Director and Founder of WATHI, one of West Africa’s most insightful think tanks. From the Africa Conference of the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance in Abuja, they dive into the concept of the Functional State, focusing on its first pillar: Presence.

What happens when the state is absent? In manyAfrican countries, the state has not been present in entire regions for decades, leading to insecurity, lack of infrastructure, and economic stagnation. From Mali and the Sahel to Northern Cameroon and Boko Haram’s influence, the absence of the state has allowed armed groups to thrive and exploit communities.

A must-listen for those seeking a deeper understanding ofAfrica’s security challenges and the solutions beyond military force.

What do you think? Share your thoughts and join theconversation in the comments!