Promoting democracy, fostering peace - my research explores how free societies resolve conflicts without violence.

I am not only passionate about research but also deeply committed to the transformative impact of key research findings. Engaging with people, sharing insights to foster critical thinking, promoting the value of democracy, and enhancing understanding of economic and political issues in Africa and beyond are integral to my vision of research. For me, research is not just about generating knowledge—it’s about contributing to meaningful change.

On 21 October 2025, Dr Souleymane Yameogo spoke at the Centre for Pan-African Studies, SOAS University of London. The session featured two papers: one on how threat undermines democratic support (with Anja Neundorf) and another on how democracy-promotion interventions can bolster it (with Anja Neundorf and Aykut Öztürk). Drawing on findings from the ERC-funded DEMED project and related experimental work in Burkina Faso, the discussion highlighted strong interest in these questions and underscored the importance of an African perspective on democratisation, with a recurring call to “Africanise” democracy so it aligns with local histories, institutions, and aspirations.

On 15 October 2025, Dr Souleymane Yameogo spoke at the University of Edinburgh’s Centre of African Studies, presenting two papers: The Impact of Terrorism on Democratic Support in Africa and Promoting Democracy in a Context of Terrorism: Experimental Evidence from Burkina Faso. Our core message is simple: terrorism erodes democratic support, but carefully designed, non-traumatising short videos can help rebuild it. Using an online RCT and Facebook Ads recruitment, we reached hard-to-access communities – including people in active conflict zones – and collected diverse, valuable data.

On August 6, 2025, I shared my thoughts during the OTH Summer School at NATO Civil-Military Cooperation Centre of Excellence (CCOE) - The Hague, Netherlands (via Zoom) on security in the Sahel.

I focused on how the expansion of terrorism and its collusion with criminal organisations make the fight extremely complex. Strong regional and international cooperation is essential to help these fragile states stop the killing of innocent civilians.

Presenting two papers (1) "Promoting Democracy in the context of terrorism: Experimental Evidence from Burkina Faso", and (2) "The impact of terrorism on Democratic Support in Africa" at a seminar at KDI School of Public Policy (My university) after IPSA 2025.

Key insights:

Terrorism undermines democratic support in Africa; there is no African exceptionalism in this pattern.
In high-threat contexts, democracy promotion is most effective when framed in broad, hopeful terms rather than emphasising local trauma. Low-cost, scalable online interventions can help sustain democratic norms where traditional civic education is difficult.

Presenting our paper "Promoting Democracy in the context of terrorism: Experimental Evidence from Burkina Faso", during the IPSA (International Political Sciences Association) annual conference in South Korea (12-16 July 2025.

Key insights:

Short online videos promoting democracy increased public support for democratic governance in Burkina Faso, even in a context of chronic terrorism.
Abstract framings highlighting democracy’s universal advantages proved more effective than locally tailored messages, which were weakened by coping and disengagement under prolonged violence.
Implications: In conflict-affected settings, democracy promotion works best when framed in broad, principled terms that inspire hope and resilience, rather than by emphasising local trauma. Such low-cost, scalable interventions can help sustain democratic norms where traditional civic education is difficult.

Evi4Dev CWOOW Policy Brief.pdf

"Creating Wealth Our Own Way" – Strategies for Sustainable Wealth Creation in Africa

Proud to have co-authored this policy brief presented at the 2025 Evi4Dev Conference in Nairobi. Our work focuses on advancing evidence-based, inclusive, and innovation-driven approaches to economic development across the continent.

Key insights:

Africa’s economic diversification must go beyond trade liberalisation — it requires stronger institutions, R&D investment, and support for youth and women entrepreneurs.
The informal sector is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be transformed through inclusive, flexible, and context-specific policy tools.
Building effective innovation ecosystems demands localised IP systems, better research infrastructure, and coordination across sectors and regions.

January 2025: Public Policy in times of terrorism (Burkina Faso)

On TV, I discussed the importance of policy-making in addressing terrorism threats, particularly in the context of Burkina Faso. With more than 75% of the population engaged in the agriculture sector and earning less than £30 per month, it is crucial to complement short-term military responses with long-term strategies. These should focus on fostering economic growth, redistributing income, and creating job opportunities, especially in the industrial sector, to build resilience and sustainable development.

December 2024: Democratic Culture of Burkina Faso (French)

This presentation explores the local perceptions of democracy in Africa, focusing on the Buganda Kingdom in Uganda and the Mossi Kingdom in Burkina Faso. It highlights the importance of integrating African cultural values, such as freedom, justice, and social solidarity, into democratic systems. The analysis reveals how local governance models prioritize unity, harmony, stability with a strong hierarchy an central power, contrasting Western liberal democracies. Key lessons include the need for political systems that reflect local values and emphasize strong leadership for social stability, as well as the critical role of solidarity in overcoming challenges like oppression and poverty.

2014 - Balai Citoyen explained to Journalists.

In this video, the founding members of the civil society movement, after leading the mass protest that ousted President Blaise Compaoré in 2014, were interviewed to share the origins of the movement and their goals. Notably, we founded the social movement Le Balai Citoyen in Burkina Faso in 2014 to organize civic activism and advocate for greater democracy in the country. Le Balai Citoyen—which translates to The Civic Broom—was named to symbolize our mission: sweeping away undemocratic values and practices while empowering citizens to have a voice in shaping the nation’s future. We chose the broom as our emblem not only for its association with cleanliness but also to convey unity and strength. Just as individual broomsticks are weak on their own but powerful when bound together, we believed that by standing united, we could overcome all forms of repression.

Canal 3-Burkina Faso (2014)

2015: Presented on Youth and Political Engagement in Burkina Faso.

In this French video, I discuss youth engagement in politics. I believe young people should take leadership roles, not just follow. Through my NGO, I promote civic engagement, build youth confidence, and support their contribution to change in Burkina Faso and Africa. I also highlight challenges like unemployment, which makes youth vulnerable, and low education levels, which hinder their understanding of politics and geopolitics.

National TV on Covid-19

Appeared on National TV, sharing insights from South Korea’s experience in handling COVID-19.

In this video, I called from South Korea while pursuing my PhD in Public Policy. I shared South Korea’s approach to handling the COVID-19 pandemic and opposed using violence to enforce rules. I argued that policymakers should convince people with strong arguments rather than force. Effective policymaking requires understanding and serving the people. Promoting democracy through policy requires patience to persuade key players, especially in populations with low literacy. I also advocated for investment in science and technology to foster innovation and resilience in future pandemics.

Project-NGO: Debates across 5 radios in Burkina Faso

In this video, I shared a debate I organized to promote democracy among youth through my NGO, which received a U.S. federal grant and support from the French Institute and Burkina Faso’s National TV and Radio (RTB). The debate was broadcast live on RTB and five other radio stations across Ouagadougou and Burkina Faso. High school and university students discussed topics like elections and the role of the VDP (Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland, "Kogl Weogo"). I believed giving youth a voice would help society reevaluate their role in democracy and their contribution to change. The show had a huge impact, and I received great feedback.

French Institute (Burkina Faso): Debates

I organized a series of debates across five radio stations in Burkina Faso, showcasing youth perspectives on political affairs. This video captures the final debates between university students and high school students at the French Institute. The discussion focused on topics related to democratic promotion and peacebuilding in Africa. Journalists from Burkina Faso, as well as media outlets from across Africa, were present to capture these important moments. The show was broadcast live on five radio stations and on local TV networks. Civil society movements, local leaders (both traditional and religious), and various stakeholders from the region participated in this significant event. The success of this initiative aimed to enhance youth political engagement, deepen their understanding of democracy as a tool for peaceful dialogue and conflict resolution.

Canal 3-Burkina Faso (2015)

Appeared on Canal 3, providing an analysis of the President’s New Year speech.

University of Abidjan (2016)

Engaged in a discussion with youth at the University of Abidjan on Pan-Africanism and African geopolitics.

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