Sudan media coalition calls to put media independence at core of democratic transition
April 14, 2026 (BERLIN) – A coalition of 23 independent Sudanese media institutions, including the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, has called on international participants at the upcoming Berlin conference to prioritize media independence in any future framework for peace and democratic transition in Sudan.
The Sudan Media Forum (SMF) issued the statement on Monday ahead of the high-level gathering scheduled for April 15. The forum characterized the conference as a vital step in mobilizing the international community to address a conflict that has devastated the nation for more than three years.
In its address to state representatives and diplomats, the SMF emphasized that independent media must be at the core of any dialogue or consultation process. The group committed to providing professional, fact-based reporting to support the transition toward stability while urging conference participants to engage in a mutual dialogue with local media actors.
“We hope the Conference on Sudan in Berlin results in concrete mechanisms to stop the fighting and alleviate the unprecedented suffering of millions of Sudanese citizens,” said Kamal Elsadig, Chairman of the Sudan Media Forum.
The international conference in Berlin marks the third anniversary of the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Hosted by Germany alongside the African Union, European Union, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the meeting aims to return Sudan to the top of the global diplomatic agenda.
Unlike previous summits in Paris and London, the Berlin gathering is designed to give greater weight to Sudanese civilian actors rather than just the warring parties. Roughly 40 civilian representatives are expected to participate, focusing on humanitarian action and a path toward a civilian-led political transition.
The situation in Sudan remains what the United Nations describes as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Over 33 million people require assistance, yet the humanitarian response remains severely underfunded, with a gap of approximately €2.2 billion reported from the previous year.
While not framed as a formal peace conference, the event serves as a critical test of international political will. Organizers hope to unify disparate mediation initiatives from groups like IGAD and the Arab League into a single, coordinated roadmap for peace.