Journalism in Sudan: A Profession in Distress
By Haider Al-Mukashfi
Journalistic integrity compels me to begin by noting that the title above, "A Profession in Distress", is also the title of a book authored by Dr. Mahmoud Qalander, currently a university professor specializing in media studies. Previously, he served as a senior officer in the Sudanese army, attaining the rank of major general and holding the position of editor-in-chief for the Armed Forces newspaper. In his book, Dr. Qalander—who left the army to specialize in media, earned a doctorate, and dedicated himself to academia—documented the struggles and hardships endured by Sudanese journalism since the colonial era up to the era of the defunct National Salvation regime.
While I do not intend to review the content of his book here, the author concluded that the plight of Sudanese journalism stems from multiple material dimensions. Based on laws, regulations, and administrative decisions issued by ruling political authorities from the British administration through three democratic periods, two military regimes, and the Salvation era, the forms of control were summarized as licensing, fines, censorship, shutdowns, distribution bans, writing bans, dismissal of editors, imprisonment, nationalization, and even assassination. My focus here is on the current distress, oppression, and suppression faced by Sudanese journalism during this era of senseless war, which continues the adversities the press has long endured.
Integrity also requires me to acknowledge (whether one accepts this painful truth or not) that Sudanese journalists are not all alike in their professionalism and adherence to the principles and ethics of the profession. Among them are those who carry out their roles with selflessness and professionalism. These individuals often suffer from the "red lines" imposed by governing authorities, which undermine journalistic freedom and professional, ethical standards. Such journalists are frequently dragged into courts and detention centers and are subjected to harassment, including job suspension and financial hardships.
On the other hand, there are those who have aligned themselves with the authorities, reveling in its benefits and becoming its mouthpiece, whether right or wrong. Some of these individuals, despite their professional backgrounds, prioritize personal interests over their journalistic integrity. Others are blatant political partisans with overt agendas. Then there are impostors with no connection to journalism, brought in from various security, political, and military backgrounds to bolster the regime. These individuals were handed press credentials and membership cards to pose as journalists. Unfortunately, these represent some of the internal challenges of journalism today.
Externally, and particularly under this destructive war, the plight of journalism has doubled. With two parties dividing control over the country, each strives to dominate the press and impose its will over the territories it controls. In both cases, journalism is the casualty, and along with it, the unfiltered truth—neither side (the army on one hand and the Rapid Support Forces on the other) allows it to prevail. Consequently, the press loses its professionalism and ethics, clashing with its fundamental principles and values.
Moreover, the war has also resulted in the deaths of several journalists. According to the Journalists’ Syndicate, at least 15 journalists have lost their lives so far, either due to deliberate, premeditated killing or as a result of military operations in civilian areas. Additionally, more than 500 violations against journalists have been documented, including arrests, torture, death threats, sexual violence, and obstruction of balanced coverage. The cycle of killings and violations continues as long as the war persists.
