Terms of Use

Effective Date: October 25, 2024

Thank you for visiting Sahel Politica’s website ("Site"). Sahel Politica is dedicated to providing insights, training, consulting services, and information regarding geopolitical and security risks within the Sahel region. By accessing or using our Site, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use ("Terms") and any other related agreements or policies referenced herein.

If you do not agree to these Terms, please refrain from using our Site.

1. Acceptance of Terms

   • By using Sahel Politica's Site, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to comply with these Terms and all applicable laws and regulations.

   • We may modify these Terms at any time, and such modifications will be effective immediately upon posting. Continued use of the Site constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

2. Services Provided

   • The Site offers access to information about our training, keynotes, articles, publications, and event reservations, along with contact and subscription options.

   • Users may also schedule consultations, make payments for services like keynotes and training sessions, and receive regular updates through our newsletter.

3. User Accounts

   • Certain features, such as subscribing to our newsletter or booking keynotes and training, may require users to provide personal information.

   • You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information when subscribing or making reservations and to update such information as necessary.

4. Reservations and Payments

   • Reservations for services, including keynotes and training, can be made through the Site.

   • Upon successful reservation, users will receive a confirmation email containing details of the reservation.

   • Sahel Politica reserves the right to cancel any reservation for reasons including, but not limited to, inaccurate information or lack of availability.

5. Email Notifications

   • Users may receive email notifications related to:

     • Reservation confirmations and updates.

     • Newsletter subscriptions.

     • Responses to contact form submissions.

   • By providing your email address, you consent to receive these notifications. You may unsubscribe from newsletters at any time by following the instructions provided in the email.

6. User Conduct and Responsibilities

   • You agree not to engage in any prohibited activity, including but not limited to:

     • Misusing the Site for unauthorized or unlawful purposes.

     • Circumventing security protocols or attempting unauthorized access.

     • Transmitting or distributing harmful, offensive, or inappropriate content.

   • Sahel Politica reserves the right to suspend or terminate access to the Site if any prohibited activity is detected.

7. Content Ownership and Intellectual Property

   • All content on the Site, including text, images, logos, and multimedia materials, is the property of Sahel Politica or its licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

   • You may not reproduce, distribute, or display content from the Site without express permission.

8. External Links

   • The Site may contain links to third-party websites. Sahel Politica is not responsible for the content or practices of these external sites and does not endorse or assume any liability for any third-party content.

9. Data Collection and Privacy

   • Sahel Politica respects your privacy. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for detailed information on how we collect, use, and protect your data.

   • By using the Site, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in our Privacy Policy.

10. Security and Protection

    • Sahel Politica is committed to protecting the integrity of its Site and user data.

    • We employ standard security measures, including SSL encryption, and may implement additional measures against DDoS attacks and other cyber threats.

    • However, we cannot guarantee that unauthorized access, hacking, data loss, or other breaches will never occur. You use the Site at your own risk.

11. Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability

    • No Warranty: The Site is provided "as is" and "as available." Sahel Politica disclaims any warranties regarding the accuracy, reliability, or availability of the Site or its content.

    • Limitation of Liability: Sahel Politica and its affiliates will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages resulting from your use of the Site.

12. Termination of Use

    • Sahel Politica reserves the right to terminate or suspend your access to the Site at any time without notice if we determine, in our sole discretion, that you have violated these Terms or engaged in prohibited conduct.

13. Governing Law

    • These Terms are governed by the laws of [insert jurisdiction here, e.g., Burkina Faso or another relevant jurisdiction], without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

    • Any disputes arising from or related to these Terms or the Site shall be resolved through mediation or arbitration in Switzerland.

This Terms of Use draft serves as a starting point. Legal consultation is advised to ensure compliance with specific jurisdictional requirements and the latest regulations on privacy, user rights, and internet laws.

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: October 25, 2024

At Sahel Politica, we value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy outlines the types of data we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding this information. By accessing or using our website ("Site"), you agree to the collection and use of your data as described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

   We collect different types of information to provide and improve our services for you. This includes:

   • Personal Information: Information such as your name, email address, and phone number when you:

     • Register for newsletters or other communications.

     • Reserve services (e.g., keynotes, training sessions).

     • Contact us through forms or via WhatsApp.

   • Usage Data: Information about how you use our Site, including your IP address, browser type, and access times. This data helps us understand user activity on the Site to enhance the user experience.

   • Cookies and Tracking Data: Our Site uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect data about browsing activity and preferences, enabling us to personalize your experience and track the Site’s performance.

2. Services Provided

   The data we collect is used to provide, maintain, and improve our services, including:

   • Service Provision: To manage bookings, process payments, and communicate with users about reservations and other service-related updates.

   • Communication: To send you newsletters, event reminders, and respond to your inquiries via email or WhatsApp.

   • Improving Site Functionality: To analyze usage data and improve the performance and usability of our Site.

   • Legal Compliance: To meet legal and regulatory requirements, including data security and fraud prevention.

3. How We Share Your Information

   We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data to third parties. However, we may share information in the following situations:

   • Service Providers: With trusted third parties like Stripe for payment processing, and Google Analytics for usage analysis. These providers only access necessary information to perform specific tasks on our behalf and are obligated to protect your data.

   • Legal Requirements: If required by law or in response to valid legal requests, such as a court order or government agency demand.

   • Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your data may be transferred to a third party with similar data protection obligations.

4. Data Security

   We prioritize your data’s security and implement standard security measures, including SSL encryption, to protect it. Despite these efforts, no online service is entirely immune to security risks. We encourage you to use strong passwords and to keep your personal devices secure.

5. User Rights

   Depending on your location, you may have rights regarding your personal data, including:

   • Access and Correction: You may request access to or correction of your personal information by contacting us.

   • Data Portability: You may request a copy of your data in a commonly used format.

   • Deletion: You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to applicable legal obligations.

   • Opt-out of Communications: You can unsubscribe from our newsletters at any time by following the instructions in the email.

6. Services Provided

   • What Are Cookies?: Cookies are small files placed on your device by our Site to collect data about your browsing activity and preferences.

   • Types of Cookies We Use:

     • Essential Cookies: These are necessary for the Site’s operation, such as managing reservations.

     • Analytics Cookies: Used to track usage data and improve Site performance.

   • Managing Cookies: You can control cookies through your browser settings, though disabling them may limit Site functionality.

7. Google Analytics

   We use Google Analytics to understand user interaction with our Site. Google may collect information about your activity on our Site, including your IP address, browser type, and browsing behavior. You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking through the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on.

8. International Data Transfers

   As our Site is accessible globally, your data may be transferred to and processed in countries with different data protection standards than those in your location. We take steps to ensure appropriate safeguards for international data transfers in compliance with applicable regulations.

9. Children’s Privacy

   Our Site is not intended for users under the age of 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If we learn that we have collected data from a child under 16, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

10. Third-Party Links

    Our Site may contain links to third-party websites not operated by us. We are not responsible for these sites' privacy practices and encourage you to review their privacy policies.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

    We may update our Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy frequently to stay informed about how we protect your data.

This Privacy Policy is designed to be clear and detailed based on the services offered. For full compliance and legal accuracy, consulting with a legal expert is advised.

Conditions of Sales

Effective Date: October 25, 2024

These Conditions of Sale ("Terms") govern the sale of services and products provided by Sahel Politica through our website ("Site"). By purchasing from us, you agree to these Terms. Please read them carefully.

1. Scope of Services

   Sahel Politica offers services, including but not limited to:

   • Event and keynote reservations.

   • Training sessions.

   • Publications and articles related to our activities.

   • Subscriptions to newsletters and updates.

   All purchases and bookings are subject to these Terms, which may be updated periodically.

2. Orders and Reservations

   • Order Confirmation: Once you place an order or reservation, you will receive an email confirming receipt of your order. This confirmation is not an acceptance of your order but acknowledgment that we have received it.

   • Acceptance of Orders: Orders are only accepted when payment is confirmed. Sahel Politica reserves the right to accept or decline orders at its discretion.

   • Modifications and Cancellations: Modifications to your order or booking may be allowed, subject to availability and additional fees. To request changes, please contact us as soon as possible.

3. Pricing and Payment

   • Pricing: All prices are listed on the Site and may change periodically. Prices at the time of your booking or order will be honored.

   • Taxes and Fees: Prices may not include taxes or additional fees. Where applicable, taxes and other fees will be calculated at checkout.

   • Payment Methods: We accept secure online payments through Stripe. Full payment is required at the time of booking or purchase.

   • Currency: All transactions are processed in USD and EUR.

   • Payment Confirmation: Upon successful payment, you will receive an email confirmation with your booking or order details.

4. Refund and Cancellation Policy

   • Event and Training Reservations: Refunds or cancellations must be requested at least [specify duration, e.g., 7 days] before the scheduled date. After this period, cancellations will not be refunded.

   • Digital Products and Publications: All sales of digital products (e.g., articles, publications) are final and non-refundable.

   • Force Majeure: In the event of circumstances beyond our control (e.g., natural disasters, political events), Sahel Politica reserves the right to reschedule events or offer refunds at our discretion.

5. Delivery of Services

   • Service Access: Upon confirmation of payment, you will receive access to the booked service (event, training, or digital publication) according to the details provided at the time of purchase.

   • Timing of Services: Services are scheduled for specific dates and times; Sahel Politica is not responsible for missed services due to user unavailability.

   • Service Modifications: Sahel Politica reserves the right to modify the content, date, or time of services. Customers will be notified in advance, and any significant changes may be eligible for a partial refund or credit.

6. Services Provided

   • Accurate Information: You agree to provide accurate and complete information for all bookings and purchases. Sahel Politica is not liable for any issues arising from inaccurate information.

   • Compliance with Rules: By attending our events or trainings, you agree to comply with all rules, policies, and guidelines provided by Sahel Politica.

   • Prohibited Activities: The resale, sharing, or unauthorized distribution of our content (digital or otherwise) is strictly prohibited.

7. Intellectual Property Rights

   • Content Ownership: All content provided by Sahel Politica, including event materials, training resources, and publications, is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. Use is limited to personal, non-commercial purposes.

   • Restrictions: Reproduction, modification, or distribution of our content without prior written consent is strictly prohibited.

8. Liability and Disclaimer

   • Limited Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by law, Sahel Politica is not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of our services, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

   • No Guarantee: While Sahel Politica strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we do not warrant that the services will meet all customer expectations. Sahel Politica disclaims all warranties, whether express or implied.

   • Technical Issues: Sahel Politica is not responsible for service interruptions or technical issues that may prevent access to digital services.

9. Privacy and Data Protection

   Sahel Politica respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. Our collection and use of your data are governed by our Privacy Policy which is incorporated into these Terms.

10. Amendments to Terms

    Sahel Politica reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our Site. Your continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

11. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

    • Applicable Law: These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Specify Jurisdiction, e.g., Togo, or country where services are offered].

    • Dispute Resolution: Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be subject to binding arbitration in [Specify Jurisdiction], and users waive any right to participate in a class action.

This Conditions of Sale document is crafted to clarify Sahel Politica’s service policies comprehensively. To ensure legal accuracy, consulting with a legal professional is recommended.

Social Media Code of Conduct

Effective Date: October 25, 2024

This Social Media Code of Conduct (“Code”) applies to all employees, consultants, affiliates, and representatives of Sahel Politica. Its purpose is to ensure that all interactions and communications reflect the company’s values and maintain high standards of professionalism and ethics.

1. General Principles

   • Professionalism: Every online interaction should reflect the professionalism and integrity that Sahel Politica embodies.

   • Respect and Ethics: Communications must remain respectful, free of discriminatory, defamatory, or offensive language.

   • Transparency and Authenticity: Be clear about your role and opinions. Avoid impersonating clients or users if you’re acting on behalf of Sahel Politica.

2. Use of Sahel Politica Official Accounts

   • Official Posts: Only authorized individuals may post content on behalf of Sahel Politica on official accounts.

   • Content Standards: Content must align with Sahel Politica’s values, accurately represent its services, and be approved by the communications team.

   • Comment Moderation: Comments on posts must be monitored to remove any inappropriate or harmful content. Constructive criticism can remain, but offensive or off-topic comments will be removed.

3. Guidelines for Employees and Affiliates

   • Account Differentiation: Employees should clarify when speaking on their own behalf or as a Sahel Politica representative. If posting personally, clearly state that views do not reflect those of the company.

   • Confidentiality: Never share confidential or sensitive information about Sahel Politica, its clients, projects, or partners.

   • Compliance with Company Policies: Employees must follow all company privacy and data protection policies.

4. Appropriate Content and Language

   • Respect for Diversity: Avoid any language that could be seen as discriminatory or offensive.

   • Accuracy: All shared information must be accurate and fact-based. Any erroneous or misleading information should be corrected promptly.

   • Positive and Constructive Language: Avoid making personal criticisms or negative statements, especially about competitors or other organizations.

5. Managing Interactions with Users

   • Responsiveness: User messages and comments should be acknowledged and responded to quickly, typically within 24 working hours.

   • Respecting Diverse Opinions: Even when disagreements arise, user opinions should be respected. Respond to criticism constructively and respectfully.

   • Reporting Inappropriate Content: If a user posts inappropriate or offensive content, it will be moderated or removed following Sahel Politica’s and platform policies.

6. Brand Protection

   • Logo and Brand Use: All usage of the Sahel Politica logo, images, or videos must be approved by management.

   • Account Security: Passwords and access information for official accounts should remain confidential and protected. Report any security issues immediately.

   • Impersonation: If an account or post appears to impersonate Sahel Politica, employees should report it to management promptly.

7. Guidelines for Content Sharing

   • Third-Party Content: Ensure permission is obtained before sharing or reposting third-party content. Always credit the original creator.

   • No Investment Advice: Avoid any statements that could be interpreted as investment advice or financial recommendations.

   • Service Representation: Any content explaining or illustrating Sahel Politica services must be accurate and communications team-approved.

8. Sending and Receiving Direct Messages

   • Professional Responses: Direct messages sent from Sahel Politica accounts should remain professional and respectful.

   • Confidentiality: Never disclose confidential information via direct message; if uncertain, direct users to official support channels.

   • Notification Messages: Automated notifications sent to users, such as confirmations for bookings or newsletter sign-ups, should be clear and respectful.

9. Platform Policy Compliance

   • Adherence to Platform Policies: Sahel Politica and its representatives must comply with each platform's policies (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.), avoiding prohibited behaviors (spam, inappropriate content, etc.).

   • Staying Informed of Policy Changes: Teams are responsible for staying updated on any changes to platform policies to ensure compliance.

10. Consequences and Disciplinary Action

    Any breach of these guidelines may result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or termination, depending on the severity of the infraction.

11. Code Updates

    This Social Media Code of Conduct may be updated to reflect changes in Sahel Politica policies or social media platform rules. Updates will be communicated to employees and affiliates, and the latest Code will be available on our website.

This Social Media Code of Conduct ensures that Sahel Politica remains a respected professional entity online, while allowing employees to positively contribute to the company’s communications.

Media House Rules for Sahel Politica

Effective Date: October 25, 2024

This document outlines Sahel Politica’s Media House Rules, which apply to all employees, contractors, and representatives when engaging with the media. The purpose is to ensure that Sahel Politica's communications align with its mission, maintain brand consistency, and project a professional image.

1. Guidelines for Media Engagement

   • Authorization: Only designated spokespersons or approved representatives may speak on behalf of Sahel Politica.

   • Media Requests: All media inquiries, including interview requests, article contributions, and event coverage requests, must be directed to the communications team.

   • Advance Notice: The media team should be given at least 72 hours' notice before any planned media engagement to prepare messaging and gather necessary information.

2. Interview Protocol

   • Approval Process: Prior to any interview, whether written, audio, or video, employees must obtain approval from the communications department.

   • Content Accuracy: All statements made in interviews should be factually correct, relevant, and reflect the core values of Sahel Politica. Avoid speculative statements or unverified information.

   • Consistent Messaging: Approved key messages and talking points provided by the communications team should be adhered to strictly to ensure message consistency.

3. Public Statements and Press Releases

   • Press Release Approval: All press releases must be reviewed and approved by the communications team. Unauthorized press releases or public statements are prohibited.

   • Language and Tone: The tone should be professional, factual, and aligned with Sahel Politica’s brand. Avoid exaggerated or ambiguous language.

   • Timing of Release: Release timing should be coordinated with the communications team to maximize engagement and align with strategic goals.

4. Event Coverage and Media Invitations

   • Event Access: Media must request access to attend Sahel Politica’s events, which will be granted or denied by the communications team.

   • Recording and Photography: Sahel Politica reserves the right to restrict recording and photography during events to protect the privacy of attendees and the confidentiality of discussions.

   • Media Guidelines at Events: Journalists and media representatives must follow Sahel Politica’s guidelines, including respecting the schedule and refraining from disruptive behavior.

5. Handling Sensitive Topics

   • Prepared Responses: For sensitive topics, the communications team will prepare approved responses. Only designated individuals may address these topics with the media.

   • No Speculation: Avoid speculating or offering personal opinions on issues that could impact Sahel Politica’s reputation or operations.

   • Privacy and Confidentiality: Do not discuss client-specific information, internal policies, or any other confidential matter with the media.

6. Social Media Guidelines for Media Relations

   • Official Social Media Channels: Media interactions on social media should be managed through Sahel Politica’s official social media channels.

   • Responding to Media on Social Media: If approached by the media on social media, direct them to the communications team for an official response.

   • Respectful Interaction: All interactions on social media with the media should be respectful and in line with Sahel Politica’s Social Media Code of Conduct.

7. Media Monitoring and Issue Management

   • Monitoring: The communications team will monitor media coverage related to Sahel Politica. Any issues or inaccuracies in media coverage should be reported to the team immediately.

   • Managing Negative Coverage: Negative or incorrect media coverage will be addressed proactively by the communications team. Employees must not respond independently or make public statements.

8. Visual Assets and Brand Representation

   • Brand Assets: Sahel Politica’s logo, images, and other visual assets may only be provided to media outlets with prior approval from the communications team.

   • Image Usage Restrictions: Unauthorized use of Sahel Politica’s visual assets in media or third-party publications is prohibited.

   • Image Quality and Consistency: Approved images and branding should be used in a way that reflects the quality and professionalism of Sahel Politica.

9. Crisis Communication

   • Crisis Response Protocol: In the event of a crisis, the crisis response plan will be implemented, and only designated spokespersons will address the media.

   • Internal Notification: Employees must notify the communications team immediately if they are contacted by the media regarding a sensitive or crisis-related issue.

   • Unified Message: Crisis communications will follow a prepared script to maintain message control and prevent misinformation.

10. Confidentiality and Privacy in Media Relations

    • Client Confidentiality: Sahel Politica prioritizes client privacy. Media communications must not disclose any client information without explicit consent.

    • Employee Privacy: Employee information, aside from designated public profiles, should remain confidential unless an individual has given prior consent.

    • Data Protection Compliance: Sahel Politica complies with all relevant data protection regulations; no personal data should be shared with the media without appropriate consent.

11. Legal Compliance

    • Intellectual Property: Employees and representatives must ensure that all content shared with the media respects intellectual property rights.

    • No Defamatory Statements: Statements made to the media must not defame or negatively target any individual, competitor, or third-party organization.

    • Compliance with Media Laws: Sahel Politica will comply with local and international media laws when engaging with the press.

12. Employee Social Media and Media Interaction

    • Role Clarity: Employees who are not official spokespersons should avoid discussing company policies, clients, or projects on social media.

    • No Personal Statements on Company Matters: Employees should avoid making public statements on company matters unless officially authorized.

    • Referring Media to Communications Team: Any media request directed to a non-designated employee should be referred to the communications team.

13. Review and Updates

    • Policy Review: The Media House Rules will be reviewed regularly by the communications team to ensure relevance and effectiveness.

    • Notification of Changes: Significant changes to this policy will be communicated to all employees and affiliates.

These Media House Rules are intended to provide clear guidelines and expectations for media interactions. By adhering to this code, Sahel Politica’s team ensures that media engagement is handled professionally and strategically, enhancing the company’s reputation and protecting its interests.