Ambassador Maman S. Sidikou is a senior advisor for Africa at USIP. In this role, he works on Africa-related political, developmental, defense and security issues, with a focus on West Africa and the Sahel.

Prior to USIP, Ambassador Sidikou was the African Union (AU) high representative for Mali and the Sahel, where he led the AU’s efforts to address the crises and multifaceted challenges confronting the region. His responsibilities also included monitoring the transitions in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso following disruptions of democratic governance.

Previously, he held key positions with the World Bank, UNICEF and Save The Children. Ambassador Sidikou also served as the head of the AU Mission in Somalia; as the head of the U.N. Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and as the executive secretary of the G5 Sahel Executive Secretariat.

In addition to his international service, Ambassador Sidikou has held senior positions in Niger, including as special advisor to the president, minister of foreign affairs, and ambassador to the United States.

He holds a doctorate from Florida State University and is fluent in English, French and Spanish while also speaking several African languages, including Hausa and Zarma-Songhay.