Abdoul Karim Saidou | Conflict Resolution & Mediation | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Human Resources Management

Dr. Abdoul Karim Saidou | Conflict Resolution & Mediation | Best Researcher Award

Political science | The University of  Thomas Sankara | Burkina Faso

Dr. Saidou Abdoul Karim is a distinguished political scientist whose research advances critical understanding of governance, democracy, and security in West Africa. His scholarly contributions explore the complex interactions between political regimes, public policy, and state-building in contexts marked by transition, insecurity, and reform. His research is characterized by a comparative and interdisciplinary approach, bridging political science, sociology of public action, and international relations to examine how African states govern through crises and transformation. Central to his work is the analysis of public policy dynamics, particularly in the areas of security and political reform. He investigates how political regimes shape policy agendas, how institutional instruments influence decision making, and how democratic processes are affected by conflict and instability. His studies frequently focus on Burkina Faso, Niger, and the broader Sahel, addressing the tensions between democracy, governance, and security. His research also engages with the regional dimension of African politics, especially through the role of  in promoting democratic norms and managing security challenges. His numerous peer reviewed publications in leading international journals, such as Democratization, Journal of Modern African Studies, Africa Spectrum, and Afrique Contemporaine, reflect a deep engagement with questions of legitimacy, participation, and power. His writings on the securitization of migration, youth involvement in security policies, gender quotas, and the instrumentalization of democracy contribute to a richer understanding of political change in African societies. His book chapters and collaborative works extend his analysis to regional peace and security mechanisms, the political dimensions of diaspora participation, and the governance of armed conflicts. By combining theoretical innovation with empirical depth, his research provides essential insights into how African states and societies negotiate democracy and security. His work stands as a key contribution to contemporary debates on governance, policy reform, and the political future of the Sahel and West Africa.

Featured Publications

Saidou, A. K., & Bagayoko, S. From euphoria to disenchantment: Temporality and the changing local perceptions of international interventions in Mali. Journal of Intervention and Statebuilding.

Naré, R. H., & Saidou, A. K. Understanding public policy through the lens of political regimes: The case of episodic change in agriculture policy in Burkina Faso  Africa Spectrum.

Saidou, A. K., & Honig, L.  Legitimising regimes and legalising self-defence groups: The case of Burkina Faso’s VDPs. The Journal of Modern African Studies

Saidou, A. K.  L’Afrique face au dilemme des deux analyse constructiviste de la politique étrangère à partir des cas du Niger et du Burkina Faso. Canadian Journal of Political Science.

Saidou, A. K., & Bertrand, E. Security as a campaign issue: Programmatic mobilization in Burkina Faso’s elections.

Anslem Adunimay | Conflict Resolution & Mediation | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Human Resources Management

Dr. Anslem Adunimay | Conflict Resolution & Mediation | Best Researcher Award

Research fellow | The University of Johannesburg | Cameroon

Dr. Anslem Wongibeh Adunimay is a distinguished scholar in international relations and political science, specializing in peace, conflict, and security studies in Africa. His research focuses on the intersections of mediation, governance, leadership, and sustainable development, providing critical insights into the dynamics shaping regional stability and international cooperation. With 35 citations, an h-index of 3, and an i10-index of 1, his academic contributions demonstrate growing influence and engagement within the global research community. His scholarly works encompass a broad thematic range, including regional peace building mechanisms, gender-based violence prevention, conflict transformation, and the role of artificial intelligence in sustainable development. His publication, “Unexplored Tool for Sustainable Development: Can Artificial Intelligence Promote Good Health and Well-being in Sub-Saharan Africa?” in The Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs, exemplifies his innovative approach to linking technology and governance. In collaboration with other scholars, Adunimay has co-authored influential papers such as “Addressing Sexual Gender-Based Violence in the Great Lakes Region” and “A Convoluted Post-Cold War World: Effects of the Russo-Ukrainian War on Africa’s International Relations”, which highlight his commitment to interdisciplinary and policy-relevant research. His book chapters in Routledge and Jacana Media publications critically assess themes like xenophobia, regional integration, and the African Union’s evolving peace and security framework. Beyond academic journals, he has authored policy briefs and opinion essays addressing secessionist movements, diplomatic tensions, and governance challenges in Africa, demonstrating his ability to bridge academic research with real-world policymaking. Dr. Adunimay’s ongoing projects explore regional security cooperation, national dialogue as a peacebuilding mechanism, climate justice, and the socio-political implications of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Through his prolific writing and editorial engagement, he contributes significantly to contemporary debates on African peace, democracy, and sustainable governance within a rapidly changing global order.

Featured Publications

Adunimay, A. W., & Ojo, T. A. Western centric medicine for and its contradictions: Can African alternate solutions be the cure? Frontiers in Political Science.

Adunimay, A. W. The role of regional organisations in peacebuilding: The case of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. International Journal of African Renaissance Studies.

Niyitunga, E. B., & Adunimay, A. W. A convoluted post-Cold War world: Effects of Russo-Ukrainian war on Africa’s international relations. Journal of African Foreign Affairs,

Anslem, W. A., & Ojo, T. A. When xenophobes turn their faces on foreigners: Whom to blame the government or the natives. In Xenophobia and nativism in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Adunimay, A. W. Secessionist movements and their implications for security in Africa: The case of Southern Cameroons.