Sudan: Journalists protest in Khartoum Nov. 15

Event

Journalists demonstrated in the capital Khartoum on Wednesday, November 15, to denounce a proposed bill that critics claim would further tighten restrictions on the freedom of the press. According to local journalists, the draft law is likely to empower the country’s press council to ban any journalist who criticizes the government for an indefinite period of time. The legislation would also allow the press council to ban a newspaper from publishing for 15 days without a court order. The cabinet is currently examining the draft, which if passed would go to parliament for final approval. Further protests are likely in the coming days.

Context

The Sudanese authorities maintain a tight grip on the media. The country's powerful National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) often confiscates newspapers, particularly when published articles oppose government policies. Arbitrary arrests and the detention of journalists are common and access for journalists to large parts of the country is tightly restricted - notably conflict zones like the Darfur region and the Blue Nile and South Kordofan states. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranked Sudan as 174th out of 180 countries on its 2017 world press freedom index.

Advice

Individuals present in Khartoum are advised to keep abreast of the situation, remain vigilant, and avoid all demonstrations as violence may flare up without warning.

On a more general note, many Western governments advise against nonessential travel to Sudan and against all travel to certain regions, including the five Darfur states, South Kordofan, Blue Nile, certain areas of North Kordofan, the Djebel Ouanat region, Dinder National Park, and Sennar state.