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
’Sudan’s civil war could last years if nothing is done‘: An interview with Hatim Abdulaziz
On top of the daily human rights violations, Sudan’s fourth civil war in 70 years is in danger of developing into a major humanitarian crisis.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye: An overview of Senegal’s youngest ever leader
Elected president of Senegal on March 24, 2024, Bassirou Diomaye Faye has become the youngest president in the country’s history at just 44 years of age.
Togo: Reaction to opponent Agbéyomé Kodjo’s death while in exile
It has become increasingly common for opponents of the Togolese regime to live out their lives in exile. The latest was Agbéyomé Kodjo, who died in Ghana on March 3, 2024.
Chad: Military government’s leading opponent Yaya Dillo Djérou dies
The death of leader Yaya Dillo Djérou, just two months ahead of Chad’s presidential elections in May 2024, has been a major setback for the Chadian opposition.
Judith Suminwa Tuluka, the DRC's first woman prime minister
With Judith Suminwa Tuluka's appointment as prime minister, the DRC enters the group of nations with a woman leading the government.
First regional elections in Togolese history: An interview with Paul Amegakpo
Togo is getting ready to hold its combined election on April 29, 2024. This election will be a first for this country, which is holding its first regional election.
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.