Who We Are
About the Foundation
Our Mission
Peace Through
Education & Leadership
Sahel Peace Foundation was established with a single conviction: that lasting peace is not imposed from outside — it grows from within communities, nurtured by education, civic leadership, and restored dignity.
We operate at the intersection of peacebuilding, higher education, and governance reform — investing in the next generation of African leaders who will shape their own societies.
Our work spans ten countries across the Sahel belt, partnering with local organizations, governments, and global institutions to create sustainable change from the ground up.
By the Numbers
Mission
Foster sustainable peace in the Sahel
Vision
Be the global driver of peaceful culture
2025
Sahel Peace Foundation was incorporated in Washington, DC on 11 December, which is also the Proclamation of Independence Day in Burkina Faso.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Dignity
Each person possesses inherent worth. We honor inclusive diversity, faith traditions, and community wisdom in the Sahel.
Integrity
We steward resources responsibly, operate transparently, and remain accountable to donors, partners, and the communities we serve.
Solidarity
We show empathy, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to support others—especially in times of adversity.
Leadership
Sahel Peace Foundation Board
Click any portrait to read the full biography.
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Fr. Barthélémy Bazemo
President
Father Barthélémy Bazemo, originally from Burkina Faso, has served as the Provincial of the Americas for the Missionaries of Africa since July 1, 2024. He resides in Washington, D.C. and is also the President of the Society of Missionaries of Africa, Inc., a U.S. nonprofit. In this role, he oversees their mission activities across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Prior to relocating to the United States, he lived, studied, and worked in Kenya and Tanzania, where he gained valuable skills by working with Christian professionals and youth, and by engaging in interfaith dialogue with representatives of other faith traditions. In Washington, D.C., he spent several years working as a policy analyst at the Africa Faith and Justice Network, a Catholic faith-based organization that advocates for responsible U.S. relations with Africa, and he continues to serve on its board. In addition, he taught as an adjunct professor at Georgetown's School of Foreign Service. Father Bazemo pursued his studies at various institutions across multiple countries. He holds a Ph.D. in African Studies, with specialization in Africa in World Affairs, Governance, and Foreign Policy from Howard University in Washington, D.C. His academic credentials also include a master’s degree in Peace Studies and International Relations from Jesuit Hekima University College in Nairobi, Kenya, an STB in Sacred Theology, and a graduate diploma in Communications from Tangaza University. He also completed philosophical studies at the Centre Supérieur de Philosophie in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. He is proficient in spoken and written French, English, and Swahili, among other languages. He brings extensive experience to the Sahel Peace Foundation, including years of dedicated and effective leadership in challenging environments.
Father Antonio Koffi
Treasurer
Fr. Antonio K. Koffi is a member of the Society of Missionaries of Africa and an accomplished administrator with extensive experience in pastoral leadership and nonprofit management. He brings a distinctive blend of field-based mission experience and financial expertise to his work. He served for several years in East Africa, particularly in Uganda and Kenya, where he led and supported community-based initiatives while developing a deep understanding of the region’s socio-economic dynamics and governance challenges. This experience continues to inform his strategic perspective on development and peacebuilding efforts. He currently serves in the United States as a Financial Administrator of Missionaries of Africa of North America Province. He oversees financial operations, ensures regulatory compliance, and strengthens organizational sustainability through disciplined fiscal management and strategic planning. Fr. Koffi serves as Treasurer of the Sahel Peace Foundation, where he provides fiduciary oversight, contributes to financial governance, and supports the Foundation’s mission through prudent stewardship and strategic financial guidance.
Mairead O’Sullivan
Board Member
Mairead’s connection to her family is her #1 mission and brings the most joy. This includes husband Art, son Sean (Beth), and daughter Claire (Joe) and three outstanding grandkids--Nicole, Silas and Jessica and her brother, Christopher. Brooklyn raised while surrounded by close knit extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins in the boroughs created a nurturing environment. Trips to Ireland to visit grandfather and another large group of aunts, uncles and cousins are among her most fond memories. She has been a Connecticut resident for 30 years and a realtor for over 40 years. As a natural caretaker, being a realtor and helping clients find their “sanctuaries” always brought a sense of accomplishment, as did assisting others in selling their homes. Volunteering and serving on boards and giving back has been an important element in her life since teenage years. She volunteered with JDRF/Breakthrough T1D as soon as her beloved grandson was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. She has served on the Greater New York Board and chaired multiple Galas for the organization. She also currently serves on the board of SoundWaters, an environmental and educational organization located in Stamford, CT. She has volunteered with Save The Children for several years and chaired the auction committee for their 75th Anniversary gala at Lincoln Center in 2007. Mairead’s other very important mission is being connected to people within the national and international Peace communities. She is moved by the opportunity to be an active participant in a team that is committed to creating a Sahel Peace University in Burkina Faso.
Bob Grant
Board Member
Bob Grant is a veteran of the US Marine Corps, holds an MBA from Webster University along with executive education from the Wharton School at UPA and the Booth School at U of Chicago. He spent 30 years with Blue Cross Blue Shield Florida, leading teams invested in technology, health, and strategic change. He then went on to lead efforts in global medical care and rural healthcare in the Delta region of Arkansas. He remains active with Blue Cross co-chairing their GenNext retiree board. He also brought this experience to roles focused on servant leadership, including hands-on time with the Soldier Ride/Wounded Warrior Project, where seriously wounded veterans were given tools to rehabilitate and heal through the camaraderie and physical challenges of long-distance cycling programs. Bob is also the former chair and active member of GlobalJax, an organization that represents the North Florida region in exchange programs for the U.S. Department of State's International Visiting Leader Program. Through this program, Bob led efforts to host international leaders, helping them experience both America and the south. In his free time, Bob enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife Susan, their daughter Colleen, her husband Bill and their 3 grandchildren, traveling internationally, and finding the best barbecue in every new city he visits.
Tom Jansen
Secretary
Tom Jansen is an Eagle Scout and lives in Herndon, Virginia. He completed a 41-year career with Scouting America with service in Virginia, Europe, Maryland, and Connecticut and with national training and strategic planning. After completing his BS degree in forestry and wildlife from Virginia Tech, he volunteered as a Peace Corps forester in Burkina Faso. In Scouting, he volunteers as training chair for the National Catholic Committee on Scouting, Friends of Scouting chair for Transatlantic Council, and facilitates ScoutingU sales training for local councils. He has served on the Medical Listening Ear team for mental health at National Jamborees. He is a certified Trainer Consultant and serves on the Membership, Finance, and Marketing committees of the Team-Based Learning Collaborative (TBLC). Tom earned the CPTD (Certified Professional in Talent Development) from the Association for Talent Development (ATD) Certification Institute. His Eagle Scout son Brandon is married to Karen and they are blessed with a daughter Piper and live in Maryland.
Our Story
A Foundation Built
on the Ground
Burkina Faso Ambassador to the USA Kassoum Coulibaly supports the work of the Sahel Peace Foundation.
Bishop Alexandre Bazie of Koudougou make a presentation at Georgetown University Berkley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs.
Archbishop Laurent Dabire of Bobo-Dioulasso and Bishop Alexandre Bazie of Koudougou make a presentation at the George Mason University Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution.