Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate has been awarded the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize for condemning targeted attacks on media workers amid the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, which began in April 2023. UNESCO noted the syndicate’s documentation of 32 journalist fatalities, about 556 violations against media personnel, and numerous newspaper and radio station closures, describing Sudan as one of the most dangerous countries for journalists.
UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany praised the syndicate members for their courage and dedication, emphasizing their ongoing delivery of accurate, lifesaving information despite severe challenges. The award announcement preceded World Press Freedom Day, celebrated annually on May 3.
Abdelmoniem Abuedries Ali, chair of the syndicate, said the prize honors all Sudanese journalists who continue to defend truth and press freedom under dangerous conditions. He highlighted the importance of independent journalism in protecting democratic values and giving voice to civilians affected by war.
The conflict has led to severe disruptions in news gathering, with threats against journalists, arrests, destruction of 90 percent of media infrastructure, and internet and telecommunications blackouts. According to UNESCO, these factors have created a “zone of silence” across the country, leaving much of the population in an information vacuum while disinformation and propaganda have increased, fueling polarization.
Since the conflict began, UNESCO has supported Sudanese journalists by helping to establish the Sudanese Media Forum, made up of over 20 media outlets advocating for press freedom and maintaining international attention on the humanitarian situation. A UNESCO survey identified journalists' needs and resulted in the creation of two safe spaces for media workers in Port Sudan.