Latest posts by Jean Sovon
Komlan Avoulete analyzes extended transition periods in West Africa
Since 2020, West Africa has experienced a series of coups d’état, with Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger now under military rule. To date, none of these countries have held elections.
Burkina Faso: Ibrahim Traoré granted blank check to remain in power
In Burkina Faso on May 25, 2024, a national conference took place to establish the country’s new political agenda. This conference concluded with the five-year extension to its military transition.
Women’s investigative journalism in Madagascar: An interview with Damy Govina
In Madagascar, a bilingual women’s investigative media outlet, which is the first of its kind, seeks to promote independent journalism that will have a substantial impact on democracy.
New president in Chad signals change in continuity: An interview with Clément Sianka
In the wake of this election that marked the end of Chad’s military transition, Chadians are eager for profound change due to the country’s ongoing economic challenges.
Chad: Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno succeeds father as president in election
Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno was elected as the next President of Chad in the May 6, 2024 presidential elections. Déby succeeded his father.
Niger: Boubacar Touré analyzes the withdrawal of US troops
Following the withdrawal of French troops from Niger in December 2023, it’s now time for the withdrawal of US troops at the request of the military rulers.
Guinea's toxic media landscape threatens press freedom
The press has paid a heavy price for the restrictions on freedom since the 2021 coup d'état in Guinea. This environment does not support journalists in their work.
Central African Republic: Renewed relations with France despite Russian military presence
After pausing discussions following the Russian military group Wagner’s arrival in the Central African Republic in 2018, Paris and Bangui resumed talks and announced the next phase of their cooperation.
In Mauritania, a mesmerising musical world blends tradition and innovation
Musical productions in Mauritania remain deeply rooted in traditional values, and artists strive to preserve this heritage despite the pressures of modern musical influences.
Mauritania: Khally Diallo analyzes June 29 presidential elections
Mauritania is gearing up for its presidential elections on June 29, 2024, but military leaders are not quite ready to make way for civilians.
Mauritania: First round of presidential elections on June 29, 2024
Seven candidates will compete in Mauritania’s first round of presidential elections on June 29, 2024. These include Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, the country’s president since August 2019.
New museum in Bamoun Kingdom chronicles Cameroon's history
The Bamoun Kingdom, one of the oldest kingdoms in sub-Saharan Africa, located in western Cameroon, is inaugurating a museum dedicated to over 600 years of its history.
Madagascar internet price hike: An interview with Harinjaka Andriankoto Ratozamanana
On April 1, 2024, an internet price hike and a new pricing system saw internet access become a rare commodity in Madagascar
’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.
