Category: Study & Research

Titre du projet: Evaluation du fonctionnement du système judiciaire et de la Commission Electorale Nationale Indépendante (CENI) en matière de gestion des contentieux, dans le cadre de son projet de soutien aux droits humains et à la promotion de la justice électorale en République Démocratique du Congo (RDC).

• Client: Freedom House
• Bailleur de fonds: USAID
• Pays: RDC
• Année: 2016

La mission d’évaluation consiste en une étude diagnostique  des mécanismes de résolution des conflits électoraux en République Démocratique du Congo (RDC). Les objectifs spécifiques à atteindre par la mission sont listés dans les TDR. Ainsi, la mission d’évaluation a permis de déterminer:

1. Domaines potentiels de conflit (entre citoyens, partis politiques, Commission Electorale Nationale Indépendante et système judiciaire);
2. Quand et quels types de conflit sont susceptibles de survenir;
3. Quels mécanismes existent en dehors du système tem judiciaire;
4. Faiblesse des mécanismes d’arbitrage existants ;
5. Structure et fonctionnement actuels de la CENI, aussi bien au niveau national que local;
6. Fonctionnement des institutions judiciaires en matière de conflit électoraux;
7. Niveau de confiance des citoyens et des candidats des partis politiques dans la capacité des mécanismes actuels à résoudre les différends électoraux, de façon équitable et dans les délais requis.
8. Quels sont les besoins en matière de règlement des différends électoraux ;
9. Quelle conception le public a-t-il du système judiciaire dans ce domaine ou des mécanismes alternatifs de résolution des conflits électoraux;
10. Quelle devrait être la structure d’un système alternatif de résolution des conflits électoraux.

ALG a réalisé en 2012, sur commande du Ministère du Genre et de la promotion de la Femme, l’étude diagnostique des inégalités liées au genre dans les ministères et institutions du Burkina Faso. La firme est intervenue dans 4 ministères parmi lesquels:

• Le Ministère de l’économie et des finances,
• Le ministère de l’Energie,
• Le Ministère des infrastructures,
• Le Ministère de la santé.

L’étude a permis de faire le point sur la mise en ouvre de la politique genre de l’Etat au sein de ces institutions publiques et formuler des recommandations pour corriger les insuffisances et renforcer les bonnes pratiques.

Plus d’information sur les projets d’ALG au Burkina Faso.

The Burundian government has initiated a process of reintegration of ex-combatants from the crisis that shook the country for several years through the “Emergency Demobilization and Transitional Reintegration Project” (PDRT), financed by the World Bank. This project is part of the 2nd phase of demobilization and socio-economic reintegration of members of the fighting forces in Burundi.

The emergency demobilization and transitional reintegration project presents itself as a partner in the efforts of the Government of Burundi in its quest to establish a definitive peace in the country. Overall, the project aims to:

Demobilize members of the National Liberation Forces and their dissidents, the two groups of non-regular armed forces remaining in the country;
Provide socio-economic support for the reintegration of these groups after demobilization, as well as ex-combatants awaiting demobilization under the previous Demobilization, Reinsertion and Reintegration Project.ALG conducted the second PDRT beneficiary survey in 2010. The services covered the following aspects:

• Interviewing beneficiaries on the reintegration component, including the ease of the process, timing, and main uses of ITS resources; using the methodologies;
• Interviewing beneficiaries on the reintegration component, the options chosen and the reasons for these choices, their perceptions of the assistance provided by implementing partners, and the strengths and weaknesses of the component and its sub-components (training, monitoring, etc.);
• Establish the general level of satisfaction of beneficiaries with the project, and their perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses;
• Ask beneficiaries and community members about their perceptions of the economic and social situation of beneficiaries;
• Include an analysis/summary of the results and also recommendations on areas where the project could benefit from strengthening or reorientation.

Audit Stratégique du CILSS : Évaluation des Capacités Institutionnelles et Organisationnelles (2008)

Client : Comité Inter-États de Lutte contre la Sécheresse dans le Sahel (CILSS)

Nature de la Mission : Audit Juridique des Textes du CILSS

Cet audit stratégique a été entrepris pour évaluer la situation institutionnelle, organisationnelle et les capacités programmatiques du CILSS. L’objectif principal était d’identifier les forces et les faiblesses de l’institution dans sa mission de lutte contre la sécheresse et les autres défis environnementaux, économiques et sociaux de la région sahélienne.

Services Fournis par ALG :

L’intervention d’ALG a été structurée autour de trois axes majeurs visant à renforcer la gouvernance et l’efficacité opérationnelle du CILSS :

1. Analyse du Cadre Économique et Financier : Réalisation d’une revue documentaire approfondie du système économique et financier pour élucider le fonctionnement interne et le cadre réglementaire de gestion de l’institution.
2. Évaluation du Management et des Programmes : Collecte d’informations via des entretiens et des enquêtes pour évaluer les pratiques de gestion actuelles et la pertinence des programmes face aux défis de la sécheresse et de la sécurité alimentaire.
3. Plan de Révision du Cadre Juridique : Conception, sur la base des conclusions de l’audit, d’un plan de révision des textes juridiques et réglementaires du CILSS. Ce plan visait à moderniser les normes institutionnelles et à optimiser la capacité d’intervention de l’organisation face aux crises environnementales.

Équipe d’Experts ALG :

La mission a été menée par une équipe pluridisciplinaire :

L’audit stratégique de 2008 a marqué une étape décisive dans l’amélioration des capacités institutionnelles du CILSS. L’analyse rigoureuse du cadre juridique et opérationnel permet au CILSS d’être mieux armé pour faire face aux défis croissants de la sécheresse au Sahel. Les recommandations formulées visent spécifiquement à optimiser la gouvernance et à maximiser l’efficacité des interventions pour garantir la sécurité alimentaire et la résilience des populations sahéliennes.

Ensuring compliance of food product labels for successful commercialization in Niger, Benin, Togo, and Guinea.

In a globalized and increasingly regulated market, food product labeling is much more than a simple legal obligation; it is a determining factor for consumer safety, product traceability, and market access. For agrifood companies wishing to establish or consolidate their presence in West Africa, particularly in Niger, Benin, Togo, and Guinea, mastering local labeling regulations is an absolute necessity.

Our expertise was recently utilized to support a major player in the sector, SPRIM Italia, in the harmonization and validation of the labeling of their products intended for these specific markets.

Client: SPRIM Italia

Countries concerned: Benin, Guinea, Niger, Togo

Year of the mission: 2017

ALG’s Mission: Guaranteeing Compliance and Market Access

Our intervention, led by the ALG (Africa Label Group) team, was structured around several critical steps to ensure that our client’s products comply with all regulatory requirements in force in each country:

1. In-Depth Analysis of Food Labeling Regulations

The first phase consisted of detailed regulatory monitoring and a comparative analysis of the legislative texts and national standards of each target country. This fundamental step made it possible to draw up a precise panorama of the specific labeling obligations in Benin, Togo, Guinea, and Niger. The aim was to understand the nuances of local legislation that can significantly impact the formulation of labels.

2. Revision and Validation of Labels according to Mandatory Information Requirements

The core of our service consisted of the meticulous revision and validation of the product label drafts. We scrupulously ensured the presence and compliance of the essential information required by law, including:

• Legal name of the product: Ensuring that the commercial name corresponds to the official designation recognized by the legislation.
• List of ingredients: Verification of the completeness of the list, the descending order by weight, and the correct identification of potential allergens.
• Nutritional information: Control of the presence and format of the nutritional value tables.
• Net quantity and Use-by/Best-before dates (DLC/DLUO): Ensuring the correct format and location of these indications.

This validation, focused on Benin, Togo, and Guinea, was essential to allow the rapid and secure placing of products on the market in these territories.

3. Verification of Compliance with Specific Mandatory Indications

Beyond textual information, labeling must also comply with specific visual and linguistic conventions. Our team proceeded with a complete verification of all formal elements:

• Logos and Symbols: Compliance of mandatory logos (quality control marks, specific labels, etc.).
• Languages: Ensuring the presence of the required national or official languages, often French, but taking into account local requirements for key information intended for consumers.
• Classification of Additives and Flavorings: Verification of the correct nomenclature and declaration of additives (according to their category and E number) and flavorings, in accordance with international and regional standards (such as the CODEX Alimentarius) adopted locally.

Impact and Added Value for the Client

Thanks to this mission, SPRIM Italia was able to:

• Secure its supply chain and avoid the risks of customs blockages or sanctions from control authorities.
• Accelerate the process of placing its products on the market.
• Strengthen consumer confidence through clear, precise, and compliant information.

ALG’s expertise in regulatory labeling in West Africa is positioned as an indispensable asset for any company wishing to successfully navigate the complexity of regional compliance requirements.

Un seul objectif a été fixé pour cette étude à savoir : « approfondir l’analyse de la situation sanitaire de la province de Kirundo (Burundi) afin de permettre au projet PAPS d’améliorer ses stratégies d’intervention et de disposer d’une bonne référence de démarrage ».

• Client: Ministère de la santé
• Pays: Burundi
• Bailleur: Coopération Technique Belge
• Année: 2009
• Experts clés d’ALG: Dr SOURA Yorba (chef de mission), Dr Dr NDIKUBAGENZI Jacques (expert national)

Il est attendu à la fin de cette étude selon les termes de référence, la production d’un rapport final comprenant :

• le Cadre Logique en entier tenant compte de la situation ;
• un aperçu des indicateurs avec les benchmarks et les projections ;
• le plan de mise en œuvre.

Les tâches assignées à cette étude se présentent comme suit :

• L’analyse des inventaires des structures sanitaires avec  leur population de rattachement, c’est-à-dire :
  • analyser les inventaires des hôpitaux et centre de santé de la province sanitaire de Kirundo, de leur service, de leur agencement et de leur taux d’utilisation ;
  • Relever le personnel médical et paramédical desdits établissements ;
  • Analyser les inventaires des équipements et appareils de chaque établissement sanitaire et les faire correspondre dans leur service d’affectation ;
• Une comparaison des moyens humains, matériels et méthodologique avec les normes nationales et internationales Cela va permettre de faire :
  • Une analyse objective des conditions de travail dégageant les besoins pour la complétude des staffs ;
  • Une analyse sur la complétude des infrastructures et équipements ;
  • Une analyse sur la complétude du paquet minimum d’activités et le paquet complémentaire d’activités ;
• Une analyse des différents résultats produits par les services de la santé à savoir :
  • Le degré de satisfaction exprimé par la population (Qualité des services de santé) à travers des enquêtes ménages ;
  • Le niveau des différents indicateurs en rapport avec les composantes suivantes : Qualité et accessibilité des soins ; santé de la reproduction ; participation communautaire ; capacité de gestion et compétences institutionnelles ; gestion des ressources humaines ; gestion des infrastructures et des ressources matérielles ; disponibilité des médicaments essentiels et consommables de qualité ;
• Une analyse du degré d’intégration des services et des soins ;
• Une analyse du contexte dans lequel se développent lesdits indicateurs présélectionnés ; estimer leur évolution ;
• Un benchmarking des indicateurs sélectionnés et projection dans le futur ;
• Une analyse du rôle des COSA dans la gestion des structures de santé et dans l’organisation communautaire ;
• Un inventaire de tous les acteurs intervenant dans la province sanitaire et l’analyse des possibilités de mise en place d’un cadre permanent de concertation.

The present document outlines the findings of a pivotal study commissioned by the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) Commission to establish a dedicated Mechanism for the Promotion of Cultural and Creative Enterprises and Industries within the sub-region. This initiative represents a significant step forward in recognizing and supporting the economic potential of the cultural and creative sector.

Study Mandate and Execution

The study was carried out between 2019 and 2020 by an expert assigned by the consultancy firm, ALG, acting on behalf of the WAEMU Commission. The core objective of this consultancy, as defined by the terms of reference, was to lay the comprehensive groundwork necessary for the successful creation and operation of the mechanism. Specifically, the expert’s mission was threefold:

1. Defining the Frameworks: To meticulously define the technical, organizational, and management frameworks that would govern the mechanism’s operations, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and relevance to the needs of the cultural sector.
2. Developing Legal and Financial Aspects: To develop the necessary legal instruments and delineate the financial architecture required for the effective and sustainable establishment of the mechanism, including identifying funding sources and disbursement protocols.
3. Preparing Specifications: To prepare detailed specifications and guidelines for the potential managers and investors who would be involved in operating and capitalizing the mechanism, ensuring clarity on roles, responsibilities, and expected performance metrics.

Contextual Rationale: The Imperative of Financing

The impetus for this study and the subsequent creation of the mechanism is deeply rooted in the broader reflection surrounding the financing of cultural enterprises in the WAEMU zone. The issue of funding has consistently been central to the Union’s strategy, notably leading to the adoption of the WAEMU Cultural Development Policy in 2013 and its subsequent Program in 2015.

A critical turning point was the 2013 symposium held in Ouagadougou on the theme, “Investing in Culture.” This landmark event gathered cultural entrepreneurs from across the sub-region alongside key partner institutions of the Commission. The central discussion at the symposium revolved around exploring and defining appropriate, sustainable avenues to finance the growth of cultural enterprises that could serve as a viable alternative or complement to traditional subsidies. The consensus was that greater financial innovation and structural support were necessary to unlock the sector’s full economic potential.

The Consultancy and Implementation Phase

Following the recommendations generated by the 2013 symposium, and driven by a need for a detailed assessment of the financing challenges within the Member States’ cultural sectors, the Commission contracted ALG’s services. The official title of the study was: “the legal and financial aspects and Assistance with the creation of the mechanism for the promotion of cultural and creative enterprises and industries in WAEMU.”

The general objective of the project of which this contract is a part is as follows: “Support the development of exchanges, networks and cooperation between cultural actors in the region with a view to building a common cultural space.”

The specific objective of the project is to enable the increase in the circulation and promotion of actors, works and cultural information within the region through the development of synergies, complementarities, collaborations and partnerships between cultural actors in the region, through subsidies.

The specific objective of this contract is as follows: Provide the West African cultural sector with an educational and information tool to promote contacts between non-state actors in the sector and thus contribute to the creation and strengthening of regional networks.

The directory includes cultural organizations from the 15 ECOWAS countries and Mauritania.

ALG carried out this mission in 2009, on behalf of UEMOA and ECOWAS, with funding from the European Union.

The journey towards lasting peace and reconciliation in Burundi, following years of internal conflict, hinges significantly on the successful implementation of transitional justice mechanisms. This commitment to address past human rights violations and injustices is firmly rooted in the 2000 Arusha Agreement, which laid the groundwork for a comprehensive national approach. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), recognizing the complexity and sensitivity of this undertaking, initiated a crucial project in 2009 to provide the necessary methodological support.

Project Overview

Project Title: Development of Methodological Tools for Transitional Justice in Burundi

Client: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Country: Burundi

Year: 2009

The overarching goal of this initiative was to ensure that the process of establishing transitional justice mechanisms was truly inclusive, transparent, and reflective of the Burundian people’s aspirations. The Government of Burundi and the United Nations had jointly agreed on the necessity of establishing these mechanisms, but their formation required broad, inclusive national consultations to garner legitimacy and popular buy-in. To navigate this complex and historically charged process, UNDP sought a specialized firm to develop a robust, culturally sensitive, and appropriate methodology and set of tools for these national consultations.ALG’s Critical Role in Laying the Foundation

Our firm, ALG, was contracted to provide the specialized expertise needed to structure and execute the foundational phase of these national consultations. Our services were meticulously designed to ensure the subsequent consultations were comprehensive, methodologically sound, and yielded actionable results. Our key contributions included:

1. Data Collection and Participant Identification (National consultations)

• Statistical Mapping: We undertook the vital task of collecting statistical data to facilitate the precise identification and geographical location of potential participants across all segments of Burundian society. This data was crucial for ensuring the consultations were genuinely representative and reached victims, perpetrators, community leaders, women’s groups, youth, and other key stakeholders. The accuracy of this initial step was paramount to the legitimacy of the entire process.

2. Methodology and Tool Development

• Designing the Consultative Framework: The core of our mission was the development of a comprehensive methodology and a suite of specialized tools tailored for the unique context of Burundi. This involved creating:
  • Detailed Questionnaires: Structured and semi-structured questionnaires designed to elicit specific information on experiences, perceptions of justice, and recommendations for transitional justice mechanisms.
  • Interview Guides: Flexible guides for in-depth, one-on-one or small-group interviews to capture nuanced narratives and personal testimonies.
  • Facilitation Guides: Detailed instructions and best practices for field teams on leading group discussions, managing sensitive topics, and ensuring safe and respectful dialogue.
  • Counting and Recording Sheets: Standardized forms for accurately documenting and aggregating qualitative and quantitative data collected during the consultations.

3. Capacity Building and Training

• Training the Consultative Project Team (CPT): We conducted intensive training sessions for the central Consultative Project Team, equipping them with a deep understanding of the developed methodology, the ethical considerations of transitional justice work, and advanced facilitation techniques.
• Field Team Preparation: We also trained the extensive network of field teams who would be directly responsible for executing the national consultations across the country. This training focused on the practical application of the tools, culturally sensitive engagement, impartiality, and ensuring the safety and confidentiality of participants.

4. Analysis and Reporting

• Analysis of Findings: Following the completion of the consultations, our team was responsible for the rigorous analysis of the vast amount of qualitative and quantitative data collected. This involved identifying key themes, patterns of victimisation, public perceptions of accountability, and preferred models for truth and reconciliation.
• Development of the General Report: The culmination of our work was the production of a comprehensive General Report on the national consultations. This document synthesized the findings, provided a detailed account of the consultation process, and presented evidence-based recommendations to the Burundian authorities on the structure, mandate, and operation of the future transitional justice mechanisms.

Impact and Outcome

The methodological groundwork laid by this mission proved to be instrumental. The high-quality deliverables—including the proven methodology, trained personnel, and the final comprehensive report—directly supported the Burundian authorities in making informed, nationally-owned decisions. By providing a clear and representative roadmap of the Burundian population’s views, our work significantly contributed to the subsequent process of setting up credible, legitimate, and effective transitional justice mechanisms essential for the consolidation of peace and fostering true reconciliation in the country. This foundational phase ensured that the mechanisms, once established, would be built on a broad national consensus, thereby maximizing their potential for long-term success.

Titre de la mission: Etude pour l’élaboration du Programme Nationale de Contrôle de la Qualité de la sûreté de l’aviation civile

Client: Agence Nationale de l’Aviation Civile du Burkina Faso

Bailleur de Fonds: Banque Mondiale

Pays: Burkina Faso

Année de réalisation: 2011

Le programme national de contrôle de la qualité de la sûreté de l’aviation civile est une structure, un environnement qui favorise l’excellence dans la mise en application des mesures et un rehaussement de la sûreté de l’aviation.
Il a pour objectifs de :

• Vérifier la mise en œuvre effective des mesures du PNSAC ainsi que de celles contenues
  dans les programmes de sûreté des aéroports et des compagnies aériennes ;
• Identifier les domaines qui nécessitent une amélioration, ainsi que donner des conseils et
  des avis techniques ;
• Déterminer l’opportunité et l’efficacité de l’application des dispositions du Programme
  national de sûreté de l’aviation civile à travers l’institution de règlements, de tests,
  d’inspections et d’audits dans le domaine de la sûreté de l’aviation civile ;
• Contrôler le niveau de conformité avec les dispositions du PNSAC ;
• S’assurer que les actes d’intervention illicite sont investigués ;
• Réviser et réévaluer les mesures et les contrôles de sûreté immédiatement après un acte
  d’intervention illicite
• S’assurer que toutes les personnes auxquelles sont assignées des tâches ou
  responsabilités ou fonctions ont de manière véritable une formation et des instructions pour
  accomplir ces devoirs;
• Déterminer si le PNSAC est adéquat et efficace, par l’établissement de législation, de
  règlements, d’inspections et d’audits.

Le Programme National de Contrôle Qualité s’applique à l’ensemble des exigences et dispositions
du Programme National de Sûreté de l’Aviation Civile ainsi que des autres règlements dans le
domaine de la sûreté de l’aviation civile.