The Arab and Middle Eastern Journalists Association (AMEJA) is issuing guidance to help newsrooms more accurately and critically cover issues related to Sudan.
Sudan is in the middle of a civil war, resulting in a humanitarian disaster, famine, and the world’s largest displacement crisis. Yet coverage of the war by the news media has been minimal. Some experts are calling Sudan’s current conflict the “forgotten war” due to the lack of coverage. AMEJA created this reporting guide in response to requests from industry reporters, editors, and producers for resources to better understand the historical context and nuance.
This guidance was created with input from journalists from the region and media professionals across all types of media platforms. This is not an exhaustive list of guidelines and resources, and AMEJA expects these recommendations to evolve as events unfold.
AMEJA urges anyone covering this issue to:
Recognize the gravity of this war. The UN says that Sudan is experiencing the world's largest internal displacement crisis, with nearly 15% of the population now displaced. UN experts are also calling the war “one of the worst humanitarian nightmares in recent history." More than 15,000 fatalities have been recorded, though the number is likely higher as security conditions and internet outages make reporting difficult.
Be aware of the historical context. After Sudan gained independence in 1956, the country underwent multiple regimes and coups. In 2019, dictator Omar al-Bashir was ousted after protests demanding democracy (The Sudanese Revolution). Many Sudanese civilians are frustrated by the events and political maneuvering that followed, which did not result in a full democracy. Today, they find themselves in yet another war, leaving many hopeless and forced to flee.
Understand the international and regional politics at play. Sudan borders seven countries and the Red Sea, making it geopolitically vital. Egypt is heavily affected by the conflict, as both countries are directly connected through politics, trade and access to the Nile. The UAE and Saudi Arabia have invested billions in Sudan, making them top importers of gold and agriculture. In October 2020, Sudan signed the Abraham Accords, normalizing ties with Israel in exchange for the U.S. removing Sudan from the terror list and arranging a $1.2 billion loan. This deal relieved pressure on military leaders to transition to civilian rule.
Understand the rich history of Sudan. Sudan is one of the oldest countries in the world, with a history dating back to ancient times. The Kingdom of Kush (now modern Sudan) controlled the Nile Valley around 800 BCE, with Kushite kings and queens ruling for centuries. Today, Sudan is home to more than 200 pyramids — more than any other country. The current conflict threatens these sites and cultural practices recognized by UNESCO.
Be cognizant on how you’re identifying Sudanese people. Sudan and South Sudan are two different countries. Please understand the difference when looking for sources and identifying them in your stories.
Double-check sources. Seek Sudanese journalists, Sudanese people, or experts on the region. Sudan’s history and current conflict are complex, so vet sources for credibility. Reach out to AMEJA if help is needed to find experts.
Learn how Darfur is affected. Rebel groups and soldiers have invaded Darfur, which has faced ethnic cleansing for decades. Many in Darfur have fled to Chad to escape targeted violence. The clashes are not the main cause of the civil war but are fueled by it. Issues of climate change, agriculture, shrinking lands, and cultural/ethnic differences complicate the strife. This has led to mass killings, forced displacement, and famine. See the Middle East Research and Information Project’s report for background.
Do not exclude Sudan from Arab conversations. Despite being in the Arab League, Sudan often receives less attention in Arab, Middle Eastern, and North African media. The war has devastating effects on neighbors in both the Middle East and Africa, many of whom rely on Sudan’s resources and geography.