Sudan’s Media Landscape in Ruins After Two Years of Civil War

Khartoum’s Once-Vibrant Press Reduced to Silent Shells

Two years into Sudan’s devastating civil war, the country’s media institutions stand gutted – their broadcasts silenced and archives lost in the conflict. The capital Khartoum, once the heart of Sudanese journalism, now bears witness to hollowed-out offices and shattered studios.

The only exception is the national radio and television building, which remains under control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces due to its strategic importance. As Sudanese Armed Forces regain parts of the city, the full scale of destruction to media infrastructure becomes clear.

The Devastation of Hala 96 FM

“Hala Radio was the pulse of Sudanese youth,” said director Yasser Abu Shamla upon seeing images of the destroyed headquarters. Before the war, it was one of Sudan’s most popular stations with state-of-the-art digital infrastructure.

The station’s professional sound mixers, high-capacity servers, and rare audio libraries documenting modern Sudanese culture were all lost to flames and looting. Initial estimates place financial losses at over $350,000, but Abu Shamla emphasizes: “It was more than money – it was our voice, our presence in thousands of lives.”

The Article Centre’s Tragic Fate

The Article Centre for Training and Media Production, launched after Sudan’s 2022 revolution, represented one of the country’s most promising media ventures. Equipped with modern TV studios, professional cameras, and advanced editing systems, it aimed to be a national center for journalistic excellence.

“Fifty years of my life, twenty-five years of my career… reduced to dust,” said director Osman Fadlallah. The center trained journalists in peace reporting and combating hate speech while documenting Sudan’s revolution.

A Determined Spirit Amid Destruction

Despite losing everything – from high-end equipment to furniture and vehicles – Fadlallah remains defiant: “This destruction is not our shame. Rebuilding will be a mountain to climb, but we will try. We must.”

Abu Shamla echoes this resilience: “The voice of Sudan cannot be silenced forever.” As journalists assess the damage, their determination to rebuild Sudan’s media landscape offers a glimmer of hope amid the ruins.

Source: Dabanga Sudan