Amendment of the Press Law: Solid Steps to a Better Future
Port Sudan – Sudanhorizon – Telal Ismail
On the first day of a two-day workshop held in Port Sudan, the capital of the Red Sea State, to discuss proposals for amending the 2009 Press and Printed Materials Law, the Sudanese state leadership made a notable appearance, led by Malik Agar, Vice President of the Transitional Sovereign Council. The workshop, titled “Media Freedom with Professional Standards,” aims to approve a law to regulate media work in the country.
The opening session was addressed by Agar and the Minister of Culture and Information, Khalid Ali Al-Eyassir. Also in attendance were Mohamed Al-Ghali, Secretary-General of the Sovereign Council; Transport Minister Abubakr Abulqasim; Minister of Federal Governance Mohamed Kortekela Saleh; Red Sea State Governor Mustafa Mohamed Nour; Attorney General Al-Fateh Taifour; as well as undersecretaries from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Information, Health, Justice, and Minerals, and a representative of the Chief Justice.
Opening the Kadugli Road
Vice President Malik Agar began his remarks by addressing the military situation in Sudan. He stated that the Armed Forces and supporting troops are close to reopening the road to Kadugli. He noted that forces were only meters away from achieving this goal and praised the victories in Kordofan, the most recent being the liberation of the town of Al-Dibaybat in South Kordofan.
Agar said, “Kadugli has suffered harsh conditions recently, caught between the pincer grip of the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement—Al-Hilu faction.” He affirmed that the road to Kadugli will be reopened soon and that aid will reach those in need to ease their suffering.
He emphasized the Sovereign Council’s commitment to drafting a modern law that guarantees freedom of expression, protects the dignity of journalists, and establishes a professional and balanced press that contributes to the consolidation of the rule of law and state institutions.
He expressed his support for any efforts that lead to fair press legislation.
Agar highlighted the importance of developing laws and regulations to align with the current phase and respond to the significant transformations resulting from the “War of Dignity” against the RSF militia, especially in the field of media legislation.
He added: “This workshop, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Information, comes at an extremely sensitive national moment.” He stressed that a free and responsible media “is not a political luxury” but a foundation for development, the protection of rights, and the fight against hate speech. He commended the Ministry and all those who supported the workshop, expressing hope that its outcomes would benefit the media process.
Agar continued: “The 2009 law no longer keeps pace with current developments, particularly in light of the digital revolution and democratic transition.” He identified five key issues: overlapping mandates among oversight bodies, excessive restrictions on publication, lack of regulation for online journalism, reliance on criminal litigation in publishing cases, and the weak independence of press institutions.
He insisted that the upcoming law must be based on partnership and trust, adhere to international standards, regulate digital media, and offer legal and professional protection for journalists. He called for a comprehensive reform that includes training and skills development for media professionals.
Conditions for Media Work
Agar also called for establishing fundamental conditions for journalism and media work—most notably, combating hate speech and regionalism, and positively engaging with issues that threaten national security.
He touched on several points that require legal and legislative solutions, including overlapping jurisdictions and roles among regulatory bodies, restrictions on press freedom, regulation of online journalism, and litigation processes in publishing cases. He urged addressing the lack of financial guarantees and institutional independence in media, which exposes it to political and negative influences.
Agar emphasized the need to adhere to international professional standards, ensure journalist protection, guarantee the independence of the Press Council, and focus on training.
The Rise of Digital Journalism
For his part, Minister of Culture and Information Khalid Al-Eyassir stated that the country is going through challenges that necessitate the issuance of new legislation to regulate journalism, safeguard freedoms, and ensure responsible professional performance. He pointed to the rapid evolution of media, the emergence of digital journalism and citizen journalism, as well as political changes locally, regionally, and globally, alongside the current security situation in Sudan.
He added: “Legislation in the field of journalism is a fundamental pillar of any media system and a benchmark for media freedom in countries.” He emphasized the importance of enacting laws that protect freedom, regulate it in a way that serves the people, preserves national security, and upholds social values.
Al-Eyassir affirmed that Sudan is in a transitional phase that requires entrenching the values of the rule of law, combating hate speech, and safeguarding national sovereignty. He stated that the media has a central role in raising public awareness and helping citizens make informed decisions. He also stressed that the state must guarantee freedoms within a professional and legal framework without restricting liberty while ensuring the dignity of media workers and preserving the prestige of the profession.
He noted that global technological and digital transformations necessitate the modernization of media laws to encompass all platforms and modern tools and to align with emerging concepts, including digital media, cybercrimes, and related issues.
The Minister expressed the Ministry’s belief that achieving national consensus requires an open dialogue involving all stakeholders and gaining the trust of all parties, laying the groundwork for a media landscape that reflects the Sudanese people’s aspirations for freedom, justice, and democracy. He reaffirmed the state’s awareness of the media’s pivotal role in state-building and public guidance, stating, “This is why we defend the need to empower media professionals and grant them a prominent role in decision-making and shaping national policies.”
He emphasized the importance of unifying media organizations and fostering professionalism among those working in the field.
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