A Voice Amidst Conflict

At a time when Sudanese women journalists face unprecedented challenges, She Speaks Sudan has provided a critical platform for training, mentorship, and collaboration. Launched in 2024 by Thomson in partnership with the digital cultural multimedia platform and cross-cultural enterprise Andariya, the initiative has enabled 30 women journalists and civil society activists in exile to strengthen their approach to navigate crisis reporting, digital security and gender-sensitive storytelling.

Among them is Amal Mohamed Elhassan Ali, a Sudanese journalist now based in Kenya, who continues to document war crimes, human rights violations, and political struggles. In this interview, she reflects on the resilience required to report on Sudan’s conflict. 

How has being a Sudanese journalist, especially in the current context, affected your work? 

Like every Sudanese citizen, we journalists have suffered the consequences of war. But we do not have the luxury of looking away. I recall hiding under a bed with my children in Omdurman as airstrikes rained down yet still writing articles. Even after fleeing Sudan, I find myself unable to stop documenting the war and analysing its horrors. We endure the pain and trauma because we are certain of one thing: our voices must never be silenced. 

To what extent do you rely on the network of Sudanese women journalists in exile? 

For many of us in exile, our network of Sudanese women journalists has become a vital source of psychological support. While we may not always express it openly, we draw strength from one another—finding solace in shared experiences, encouragement in each other’s work, and inspiration to continue. 

What logistical challenges do you face as a journalist in exile? How difficult is it to obtain accurate information?

Navigating life in exile comes with its own uncertainties— understanding local laws, adapting to new realities, and working under constant threat, as intelligence agencies continue to target us. On a personal level, being a single mother in exile adds another layer of difficulty. I no longer have the support system of family and friends, and I bear the full responsibility of raising teenagers in an unfamiliar cultural environment, while also struggling with language barriers.

As for gathering information, this remains one of our greatest challenges. The warring parties refuse to engage with independent journalists, relying instead on war propaganda. Accessing sources is like walking through a minefield. Many victims fear speaking out, knowing that they are still within areas controlled by one faction or the other. Internet and electricity blackouts make communication nearly impossible in some regions. 

What stories can you tell about Sudan now that you are in exile?

Being based in Kenya has provided new perspectives on Sudan’s civil resistance movements and their challenges. I have conducted interviews that sparked political debates, including discussions on internal conflicts within Sudan’s opposition groups and their positioning in the ongoing war. Additionally, I continue to report on war crimes and human rights violations, writing both from exile and through sources still inside Sudan. 

How did you hear about the ‘She Speaks Sudan’ programme?

I came across an announcement on social media. The programme was a unique opportunity— not just for training but for the invaluable discussions it fostered among Sudanese women journalists in exile. It gave me time to reflect on differing perspectives and approaches to reporting on Sudan’s conflict.

The programme covered key topics such as crisis reporting and gender-sensitive journalism. Which had the greatest impact on you, and why?

Every aspect of the programme was beneficial—investigative techniques, digital safety, and gender-sensitive journalism. The latter resonated with me, as I am deeply committed to amplifying women’s voices in the conflict. This led to the creation of a podcast series, The War Through Their Eyes, which gives Sudanese women a platform to express their perspectives on the war—a war they suffer from the most yet have no say in starting or ending.

The programme emphasised resilience. What does resilience mean to you in journalism?

In our field, resilience is essential for survival. With independent journalism under constant attack in Sudan, our ability to endure, adapt, and recover from challenges is what allows us to keep going. Without resilience, we would have been silenced long ago.

Among your recent stories, which do you consider the most important, and why?

One of my most significant reports was about a courageous Sudanese woman who survived sexual violence at the hands of soldiers in Khartoum. This story mattered for two reasons. First, the woman’s bravery in coming forward was extraordinary. Her determination to speak out, despite societal backlash, was inspiring. Second, exposing such crimes directly challenged the Rapid Support Forces, who consistently deny these allegations. In a press conference, I confronted a senior official about these violations, forcing them to acknowledge the existence of such reports. International legal experts have emphasised that documenting and questioning authorities on such crimes creates a record that can later be used in war crime trials. This reinforces the crucial role journalists play in holding perpetrators accountable.

How do you see the role of Sudanese women journalists in shaping narratives about Sudan?

Sudanese women journalists have played a crucial role in exposing the realities of this war—its illegitimacy and the widespread human rights abuses. As the primary victims of this war, women are uniquely positioned to shape a more accurate and compelling narrative—one that pressures for peace and justice.

She Speaks Sudan is part of the ‘Empowering Media Actors’ project, funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and implemented by Thomson in partnership with Internews.