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
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.
The Sahel faces resurgence of terrorist attacks
A wave of coups d’état and the subsequent withdrawal of international military allies has facilitated the rise of Jihadist groups in the Sahel region.
Reference points: What to read to understand Madagascar's pre-presidential election debates
To better understand the forthcoming presidential election, Global Voices offers a mini-guide highlighting valuable information sources for staying updated on Malagasy news
A Central African designer is transforming sneakers into portable manga in Senegal
A young Central African draws manga designs on sneakers for fans wanting to express the passion they feel for their favorite cartoon characters.
Military officers seize power in Gabon following disputed elections
Gabon's military officers seize power after a disputed triple election, thus bringing an end to the Bongo family's 55 years in power.
Gabon sets example in carbon absorption
The socio-economic challenges that Gabon is currently facing could force government officials to rethink their policy on environmental protection and forest conservation.
Young people have increasing role ahead of Senegal's presidential elections: Interview with Gilles Yabi
After the incumbent president announced he would not seek reelection, Senegalese young people mobilize ahead of the 2024 presidential elections.
African institutions maintain silence on sub-Saharan migrant rights abuses in Tunisia
Despite a number of documented fatalities, African institutions concerned with transcontinental migration issues remain silent on the treatment of Sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia.
An interview with Aïssatou Fofana, environmental investigative journalist in Ivory Coast
Aïssatou Fofana, an Ivorian journalist specialising in environmental investigations, talks to Global Voices about her passion but also the dangers of the job, and about her own media platform.
Togo finally gives its authors recognition in its school syllabus
As a result of a reform of the literature teaching program in secondary schools, Togolese authors are at last making their entry into the lessons of their country.
In Togo, a journalist honoured for his fight against corruption must from now on live in exile
In Togo, the journalist Ferdinand Ayité's determination and resilience net him an international prize, but Togolese journalists are still powerless in the face of exile.
Ibihe: One of the few Burundian news outlets raising climate crisis awareness
Burundian news outlet, Ibihe.org, is one of the country’s few local outlets to report the climate crisis challenges impacting Africa and other regions the world over.
IciCongo: Portrait of a young online channel that wants to ‘Tell the story of Congo differently’
In the DRC, an online outlet stands out by promoting an editorial policy that brings to the fore daily life as really lived by the majority of Congolese.
North-eastern Niger has become a safe haven for refugees fleeing armed attacks in the Sahel
Less affected by the armed conflicts in the Sahel region, Niger plays role of partner of choice for Westerners expelled from Mali and Burkina Faso.
Sahel schoolteachers face Jihadist threat
Just when governments in the Sahel are unable to safeguard its schools, Jihadists have no hesitation in killing the teachers they target.
Togo and China: Half a century of fruitful cooperation, but also of rejection of any form of criticism
After a presence since 1972, China celebrates 51 years of cooperation with Togo in 2023. While Lomé and Beijing publicize an ideal relationship, the reality on the ground is more complicated.
Uganda enacts repressive law putting LGBTQ+ communities at serious risk
Uganda's LGBTQ+ community is now under threat of imprisonment and capital punishment following the enactment of this discriminatory "anti-homosexuality" law.
The Democratic Republic of Congo braces for December 2023 elections amidst a challenging security environment
Amidst a backdrop of partial civil war, the Democratic Republic of Congo is gearing up for major elections on December 20, 2023.
Digital technology: Promoting the use of Togolese national languages
In Togo, despite government intentions to promote the teaching of national languages other than French, this promotion mainly comes from private online initiatives.
Peri-urban Burundi residents still affected by flooding
In some neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi, floods occur regularly without the government finding a lasting solution.
Environmental investigative journalism makes headway in Côte d'Ivoire: An interview with Ismael Angoh
From environmental resource misuse to open dumping of toxic waste or wastewater in its rivers, Africa’s environmental issues are plentiful. Global Voices interviewed Ismael Angoh to understand this profession's challenges.
