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Freedom of the press

Media Freedom in Sudan: A Divided Public and Eroding Press Freedoms

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Sudanese citizens' attitudes towards media freedom are divided, with fewer than half supporting the idea that the press should be free to publish what it wants, while an equal share believe the government should censor what the media publishes. However, majorities support media freedom among highly educated citizens and urban residents. Despite these positive sentiments, the reality is that press freedoms have eroded since the military coup in October 2021, with journalists facing persecution, arbitrary arrests, and torture. The media landscape is now characterised by stringent restrictions, especially on political dissent and sensitive topics.

Key Takeaways:

  • In 2022, fewer than half (47%) of Sudanese citizens supported the idea that the press should be free to publish what it wants, while an equal share (47%) believed the government should censor what the media publishes.
  • Majorities supported media freedom among highly educated citizens (56% of those with post-secondary education) and urban residents (55%).
  • Citizens were similarly divided on the question of whether the media was free in reality: 49% said the media was "somewhat free" or "completely free," while 47% said it was "not very free" or "not at all free."
  • More than half (56%) of Sudanese citizens agreed that "the news media should constantly investigate and report on government mistakes and corruption."
  • However, half (50%) of respondents said information held by public authorities should not be disclosed to the public, though 40% disagreed.
  • Majorities supported citizen access to information about teachers' and local government officials' salaries, local government council budgets, and bids and contracts for government-funded projects and purchases.
  • Almost six in 10 citizens (58%) said they get news via television "every day" or "a few times a week," compared to fewer than half who regularly relied on social media, the Internet, or radio.

Statistics:

  • 47% of Sudanese citizens support the idea that the press should be free to publish what it wants.
  • 47% of Sudanese citizens believe the government should censor what the media publishes.
  • 56% of highly educated citizens support media freedom.
  • 55% of urban residents support media freedom.
  • 49% of citizens believe the media is "somewhat free" or "completely free," while 47% believe it is "not very free" or "not at all free."
  • 56% of citizens agree that the news media should constantly investigate and report on government mistakes and corruption.
  • 50% of respondents believe information held by public authorities should not be disclosed to the public, though 40% disagree.

Sources:

  • Reporters Without Borders (2025)
  • UNESCO (2020)
  • Myers & Yassin (2022)
  • Article 19 (2022)
  • Generis Global Legal Services (2024)
  • Mashaweer News (2025)
  • Mukundu (2025)
  • Akua (2025)
  • Afrobarometer survey (2022)

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