Jean Sovon is the Regional Editor of Global Voices for Francophone sub-Saharan Africa. A journalist specializing in human rights, he often brings his expertise to bear on the cause of human rights.
A sociologist by training, he is passionate about issues of good governance, international relations, conflict prevention, peace and security.
Since 2014, Jean Sovon has been working with a number of online media outlets in Togo and the West African sub-region.
Latest posts by Jean Sovon
Mali: Political parties call for presidential elections to end military transition
A military government has led Mali since the coup d’état on March 24, 2021 and refuses to hold fresh elections. It has also announced measures to restrict the press.
Humanitarian crises in the DRC and Sudan: Over 14 million displaced as famine looms
In 2024, two major conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan displaced 14 million people on the continent.
AfrikElles: Togolese media outlet putting African women at the center of its editorial line
AfrikElles is one of Togo’s few French-language media outlets that report on the everyday lives of women by putting them at the center of its editorial line.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye elected president of Senegal: Victory of a determined youth
On March 24, 2024, the Senegalese people elected a new president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, following a period of protests caused by the postponement of the initial election date.
What role for the French language in Togolese society?
Togo adopted French as its official language in 1960, a fact enshrined in the constitution. But what is the role of this language in a diverse linguistic landscape?
Chad: The media environment fails to protect journalists
With less than two months to go before the presidential elections in Chad on May 6, 2024, death threats continue to loom over local journalists.
Local reactions to the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from ECOWAS
Many view the withdrawal as a reaction to the heavy sanctions imposed by ECOWAS on the three military-led countries.
Which local language is most widely spoken in Togo?
Officially, Togo has two national languages: Éwé and Kabyé. But neither of those is the language that's most widely spoken in the country.
Tensions escalate between Burundi and Rwanda
A year after borders reopened between Burundi and Rwanda, diplomatic relations between these two east African countries are yet again deteriorating
The Comoros's incumbent president re-elected: Towards an electoral crisis?
Provisional results from the January 14 elections indicate the re-election of the Comorian president for a 3rd term, sparking demonstrations by young people as the opposition challenges the results.
Benin: The National Vodun Festival is now ‘Vodun Days’
Starting in January 2024, Benin will commemorate Vodun religion with a two-day festival now called 'Vodun Days'
DRC: opposition groups are decrying President Félix Tshisekedi's re-election as fraudulent
Félix Tshisekedi has been reelected as DRC's president for a second term but the opposition is contesting these results due to numerous violations in the electoral process
Two Togolese journalists arrested for defamation of government minister
The arrest and imprisonment of two Togolese journalists in mid-November this year highlights the precariousness of journalists’ rights in this West African country.
Interview with the political figure Boubacar Touré on the coup which overthrew Niger's president
The risk of pitting various African countries against one another since the Niger coup seems to be increasing while an ultimatum from the African Union lies fallow.
Senegalese music: A national emblem, renowned worldwide
Once dominated by music from other countries, Senegalese contemporary music manages to raise Senegal's prominence both on the continent and world stage, making it a national emblem.
Democratic Republic of Congo: What to read and who to follow to understand the social and political situation
The pre-election period is often fuelled by socio-political debates and the media serves as an ideal format for the candidates to make themselves heard by the masses.
In Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina's dual nationality courts controversy on eve of Presidential Election
Madagascar controversy: according to the law, having another nationality voids Madagascar nationality, a prerequisite for election candidates. Yet candidate Andry Rajoelina owns a French passport.
In Gabon, music is a tool for visibility both inside and outside the country
In Gabon, music has the power to fuse tradition and modernity, and use globalization to its advantage.
Sudan: Civilians caught in middle of military leader power struggle
Sudanese civilians have become caught up in a conflict between two military factions struggling to gain complete control of the country.
Understanding the long-lasting nature of the conflicts in the Sahel: an interview with expert Jonathan Guiffard
To understand the long-lasting nature of the conflicts in the Sahel and a series of coups in West Africa, Global Voices interviewed Jonathan Guiffard, a specialist on the region
Gabon: Transitional president inaugurated as ousted president released
During his maiden address, Gabon's new leader promised to hold fresh elections at the earliest opportunity to restore civilian rule.
