POLICY ENGAGEMENT

My research speaks to policy debates on security, religion, governance, and political change in Africa. Alongside my academic research, I contribute policy-oriented and public-facing analysis through survey research, analytical briefings, invited presentations, expert assessments, and media commentary.

My policy-facing writing includes Afrobarometer dispatches and public commentary in The Conversation. Since joining the University of Florida, I have also regularly contributed to the UF Sahel Research Group’s weekly newsletter on political and security developments across the region, with sustained coverage of Mauritania and Niger. 

I have presented research in policy-relevant settings, including the Summer School on Security in the Sahel at the International University of Rabat and Sahel Research Group–International Crisis Group symposia on conflict, governance, and jihadist movements in the Sahel. In summer 2026, I also contributed research on Niger and Mauritania to a Sahel policy brief presented to the U.S. Congress as part of a collaboration between the UF Sahel Research Group and the Council of American Overseas Research Centers. I have also contributed country analysis and expert assessments to V-Dem, Freedom House, and the Bertelsmann Transformation Index.

I have been invited to comment on politics, religion, and security in the Sahel by outlets including Al Jazeera, Le Monde, Jeune Afrique, Zenith Magazine, and Raseef.

POLICY PUBLICATIONS

Afrobarometer Dispatches

Adou, Baba. 2026. “Most Malian youth see their country as headed in the right direction.” Afrobarometer Dispatch No. 1216.

Adou, Baba. 2026. “Tunisians divided on international trade, wary of Western influence.” Afrobarometer Dispatch No. 1160.

Adou, Baba. 2025. “Malians welcome influence of Russia, China, and AES, side with Russia on the Ukraine war.” Afrobarometer Dispatch No. 1077.

Adou, Baba. 2025. “Moroccans welcome influence of EU, AU, China, and U.S. while backing open trade and a stronger African voice.” Afrobarometer Dispatch No. 1038.

Adou, Baba. 2025. “In Gabon, police are widely seen as corrupt, untrustworthy, and given to abuse.” Afrobarometer Dispatch No. 1037.

Adou, Baba. 2025. “Burkinabè Trust the Police Despite Concerns About Corruption, Misconduct, and Insecurity.” Afrobarometer Dispatch No. 1015.

Adou, Baba. 2024. “Mauritanians Reject Use of Physical Force Against Women, but View Domestic Violence as a Private Matter.” Afrobarometer Dispatch No. 863.

Adou, Baba. 2024. “Cameroonians see gender-based violence as a key women’s-rights issue but tolerate use of physical force against wives.” Afrobarometer Dispatch No. 893.

Adou, Baba. 2023. “Cameroonians say government must do ‘much more’ to protect the environment.” Afrobarometer Dispatch No. 699.

Adou, Baba. 2023. “Cameroonians See Police Falling Short of Professionalism and Respect for Rights.” Afrobarometer Dispatch No. 733.

Adou, Baba. 2023. “Vast Majority of Tunisians Say Pollution Is a Major Problem, Want Government to Do More to Fight It.” Afrobarometer Dispatch No. 673.

Public Scholarship

Walther, Olivier J., Alexander Thurston, Baba Adou, Cory Dakota Satter, and Leonardo A. Villalón. 2025. “Jihadists Have Blockaded Mali’s Capital: What’s at Stake?” The Conversation, October 31.