West Africans move around a lot, so WhatsApp allows them a free way to stay in touch with family members living in other countries. Phone networks are often so bad that I make most of my calls using WhatsApp. People are really into it, so sources are more inclined to respond to messages on that platform than emails or regular phone calls. Technology has really been pivotal in exposing abuse by authorities in West Africa in much the same way that it has in America. I was late to the app but was encouraged to join by an editor who reminded me that most Americans don’t know what West Africa looks like.

Source: New York Times August 30, 2017 22:52 UTC