Décentralisation et pouvoirs traditionnels : le paradoxe des légitimités locales

The on going decentralisation processes in most sahelian countries are showing the very complex relationship between different local powers. A comparative analysis (Burkina Faso and Niger) of the strategies of traditional chiefs gives an idea of how the decentralisation reform appears to be sometimes a threat to the survival of customary authorities while giving sometimes an opportunity for the re-emergence of traditional power. More over, this paper tries to demonstrate the competition between two types of legitimacy: the one deeply rooted in local realities and the other based on the emergence of new social values at local level. Finally it seems that the way toward the reconciliation of both legitimacies is the promotion of local citizenship.