Jean Sovon is a Regional Editor of Global Voices in 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
In Burkina Faso, the artist Fasky uses photography to promote resilience and social engagement
In Africa, artistic gatherings serve as excellent platforms for activists aiming to draw attention to social issues and human rights.
Togolese expert Kofi Sika Latzoo explains the video game industry's impact on the African economy
The creative economy provides jobs across several sub-sectors, including music, art, cinema, and video games, which generate millions, even billions, of US dollars.
West and Central Africa flooded despite minor role in climate change
Climate change affects West and Central Africa, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of displaced people every rainy season.
The quest for European visas in Africa: A financial gamble
Thousands of African citizens try their luck on the legal immigration pathways to Europe but fail. This situation has created a black market where intermediaries sell visa interview appointments.
Outrage over an attack on Senegalese politician Guy Marius Sagna in Togo
A Senegalese politician was attacked during a conference that a Togolese opposition party held in Togo. This country is becoming increasingly intolerant of even the mildest form of public criticism.
Women in Africa’s mining industry: A documentary by Aïssatou Fofana
Mining is generally considered a gendered and male-dominated profession. However, many African women now work in this fast-growing industry.
Women’s plight in the Sahel: A central issue in Djaïli Amadou Amal’s works
Women in Sahel countries face a daily onslaught of abuse that society refuses to address. Only through literature can we break taboos and open a discussion on this matter.
Who is Iron Biby, the athlete making Burkina Faso proud?
In the sporting world, weightlifting has earned Burkina Faso recognition as the only African country with a world champion in the discipline: Iron Biby.
Côte d'Ivoire: LGBTQ+ community is legally but not socially accepted
Although homosexuality isn't a criminal offense in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, the LGBTQ+ community has no legal protections there. Given this legal uncertainty, queer individuals remain isolated from society.
Precision agriculture: A passion for Togolese PhD student Aicha Biaou
Aicha Biaou is a young Togolese PhD candidate in Precision Agriculture at Oklahoma State University specializing in soil and water resource management to revolutionize agriculture.
Line of conflict shifts from the Donbas in Ukraine to Mali in the Sahel
Owing to the actors involved and the leading figures’ objectives, the July 27 attack in Tinzaouaten was a vivid reproduction of the Donbas in the Sahel.
Séverin Ayao Kansa: Togo’s only chance of success at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games
Séverin Ayao Kansa, a Togolese para-athlete competing in the Men’s High Jump T47, will represent Togo at the Paris Paralympic Games.
Madagascar: Hyperinflation could trigger a social implosion
Despite a booming African economy with a growth rate of 3.8 percent, the economic situation in Madagascar, also known as the Great Island, continues to deteriorate.
African Union: Concerns grow on African continent over the spread of mpox
According to the African Union, the resurgence of mpox on the African continent is a public health emergency. The epidemic has caused hundreds of deaths in over ten African countries.
Rare Olympic Games coverage opportunity for African journalists: An interview with Daniel Dodjagni
Togolese journalist Daniel Dodjagni told Global Voices about the significant value his debut at the Paris Olympic Games brought to his journalism career.
African journalist perspectives on 2024 Paris Olympic Games
At the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, not only athletes represented the African continent but also African journalists, who provided a more diverse perspective on the Games.
Senegalese parliamentarian Guy Marius Sagna defends the people in ECOWAS parliament
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is facing a legitimacy crisis, as the sharp remarks of Guy Marius Sagna, a Senegalese parliamentarian in this regional organization’s parliament highlight.
French-Malian singer Aya Nakamura's rocky journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony
French-Malian artist Aya Nakamura was one of the artists announced for the 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony lineup. However, her selection sparked outrage among the French public.
Tea, the heartbeat of daily life in Mauritania
In Mauritania, tea is an integral part of the national cultural heritage. Consumed at any time, it fosters a vital ritual of socialization.
Mauritania leading the way with freedom of expression in Africa
According to the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, Mauritania boasts the greatest press freedom ranking on the African continent and in the Arab world.
Guinea: Military regime delays return to civilian rule
In the Republic of Guinea, returning to civilian rule seems unlikely before 2025 after the military authorities announced their intention to extend the political transition period.
