The Briton who violates press freedom in Sudan!
Mukhtar Ahmed,
Sudanese human rights defender
It is no secret that press freedom in Sudan has deteriorated to its worst levels since war erupted more than two years ago. According to statements by the elected syndicate, 31 journalists — including women — have been killed, many others injured, and approximately 500 lost their jobs after around 23 media establishments were shut down or destroyed. Hundreds of journalists were forced to flee, either as internally displaced persons or as refugees to neighbouring countries.
Both warring parties have committed crimes against journalists, including shooting at them while on duty, shelling their homes and shelters, arresting them under inhumane conditions, and threatening them with death. The syndicate has noted that the majority of these violations were attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Meanwhile, some restrictions were also reported in areas controlled by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
Both sides have continued to pressure journalists to adopt their false narratives, publish misleading information, or face restrictions on their fundamental right to access credible information. This is taking place amid widespread, systematic local campaigns filled with hate speech, dehumanizing rhetoric, inappropriate media coverage, and a hostile environment toward international media.
Both factions are reportedly paying journalists to publish biased stories while severely restricting their freedom of movement and manipulating social media platforms — turning them into spaces filled with lies, hate speech, and threats.
The situation worsened significantly after the appointment of Khaled Aleisir as Minister of Information last November. Aleisir, who holds British citizenship, has violated press freedom from his very first day in office.
In his first press conference, Mr. Aleisir revealed his true colours. He threatened all international media, accused correspondents of betraying the country and serving foreign agendas, and stated that he would punish any journalist or outlet that did not obey his directives. He referenced “national security” without clarifying what he meant and followed through on his threats by suspending TV channels and correspondents without explanation. He also summoned journalists to his office to impose further restrictions and interrogate them aggressively about their work.
After the drone strikes on Port Sudan last May, the minister ordered all international media to operate only from inside their offices — banning live coverage, street reporting, and even filming from rooftops. Once again, his justification was “national security.”
Under such conditions, the minister’s behaviour and statements have only exacerbated the crisis, placing journalists at extreme risk in an environment rife with hate, betrayal, and violence.
The British Parliament, UK media, international organizations, and Sudanese authorities must take full responsibility to prevent potential violence against Sudanese journalists — an outcome that seems increasingly likely as a result of Mr. Aleisir’s actions from his first day in office.
It is deeply troubling that the British Parliament and media remain silent while a British citizen in Sudan actively undermines the very values upheld in the United Kingdom and the free world — values he himself benefited from for nearly three decades.