Sudan has taken a decisive step by suspending the operations of Saudi state-owned broadcasters Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, along with the UAE-owned Sky News Arabia channel. The move, announced by the Sudanese state news agency (Suna) on Tuesday, cited the channels’ alleged failure to adhere to required professionalism and transparency, as well as their failure to renew licenses.
The decision has sparked condemnation from the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, which denounced it as a blatant violation of freedom of expression and the press. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the syndicate warned that shutting down satellite channels and restricting media professionals would not only stifle the voice of the independent press but also pave the way for the spread of rumors and hate speech.
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The syndicate further criticized the decision as part of a broader pattern of intimidation tactics targeting journalists, particularly in the wake of the ongoing conflict that erupted last April. The war, now nearing its first anniversary, has escalated tensions surrounding the powers of the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) within Sudan’s political transition towards civilian rule and free elections.
Responding to the ban, Al Hadath expressed surprise at the decision, stating that it had not yet received official notification from Sudanese authorities. The channel emphasized its commitment to providing unbiased news coverage and voiced concern over the potential repercussions of the ban on freedom of the press in Sudan.
The suspension of Al Arabiya, Al Hadath, and Sky News Arabia channels marks a significant development in Sudan’s media landscape, raising questions about the government’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and safeguarding press freedoms. As the international community monitors the situation closely, concerns persist about the potential impact of such measures on the flow of information and public discourse within Sudan.
