The Impact of the Sudanese War on Journalists and Media Sector
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has persisted for over 18 months between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, has severely affected the media landscape and the lives of journalists. According to the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, there have been 60 documented cases of kidnapping and forced detention of journalists, highlighting the dangerous environment in which they operate. The war has led to the complete shutdown of print journalism for the first time in over 120 years, leaving approximately 90% of media workers unemployed. Major media institutions have been destroyed, and the once-vibrant Omdurman National Radio, established in 1940, has only recently resumed broadcasting after a prolonged silence.
As traditional print media struggles to survive, the number of websites and digital platforms has surged, with over 800 launched since the onset of the war. However, many of these platforms are poorly equipped and rely on a single journalist for operation. Imad Al-Sanousi from the Sudanese Electronic Journalism Association notes that only about 100 of these websites are active, with the majority facing challenges such as unstable internet services and limited access to information.
Challenges Faced by Journalists in Sudan
The conditions for journalists in Sudan have become increasingly dire. Salah Omar Al-Sheikh, Secretary-General of the General Union of Sudanese Journalists, reports that 90% of the union's 2,500 members are now unemployed due to the conflict. Many journalists have fled Khartoum, seeking refuge in safer regions or neighboring countries like Egypt and Uganda. Some have found alternative employment, while others have attempted to establish new media outlets despite the challenging circumstances.
The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate has documented numerous incidents of violence against journalists, including the deaths of 13 journalists and multiple cases of physical assaults and threats. Former Minister of Culture and Information, Faisal Mohamed Saleh Soura, emphasized the physical dangers journalists face, including torture and coercion to reveal sources. Additionally, those in exile encounter financial hardships and difficulties in securing stable employment in their new locations, compounding the trauma they have experienced due to the war.
