Darfur Region’s Minister of Culture and Information Calls for Unified Media Discourse, Highlights the Role of Digital Media in the Battle for Public Awareness
The Minister of Culture and Information for the Darfur Regional Government, Dr_ Ahmed Ishaq Shanab, received the Executive Office of the Sudanese Electronic Press Association – Darfur Region at his office in Khartoum State
The delegation was led by the Association’s President, Mr_ Saddam Ibrahim Abdallah, accompanied by Secretary-General Mr_ Qamar Ahmed Wadehjam and Membership Affairs Secretary Mr_ Jar Al-Nabi Hassan Al-Haj
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the Ministry and the Association and exploring the role of digital media in advancing national issues and promoting public awareness
Dr _ Shanab welcomed the delegation and praised the Association’s national contributions in supporting responsible journalism He stressed that the ongoing “Battle of Dignity” is no longer solely a military confrontation but also a battle for public awareness and public opinion He emphasized that media professionals bear a national responsibility to report facts accurately, counter disinformation campaigns, and highlight the sacrifices made by those defending the country
The Minister noted that digital media has become one of the most influential tools in shaping public opinion, adding that a nation’s strength is increasingly measured by the effectiveness of its media message and its ability to engage with audiences He called for greater use of digital platforms to promote national unity, combat hate speech and racism, and counter misinformation aimed at undermining social cohesion and weakening the national front
He also underscored the importance of launching joint media forums and awareness programs between the Ministry and the Association to enhance media literacy, combat false information, and strengthen public confidence in the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Joint Force, and other state security institutions According to the Minister, these efforts are essential in addressing what he described as media campaigns intended to tarnish the reputation of forces engaged in defending Sudan
Dr_Shanab further called for the development of media programs and strategic communication initiatives designed to boost the morale of personnel serving on the frontlines, He also emphasized the need for media content that supports the psychological and social well-being of internally displaced persons and refugees while fostering hope for their safe return once security and stability are restored
He affirmed that the coming phase requires a genuine partnership between the Ministry and media institutions, based on a unified media and political discourse and the preparation of highly qualified media professionals capable of addressing the challenges of the post-war period
He added that the events witnessed in Darfur demand a new media vision that contributes to rebuilding society, strengthening social cohesion, and promoting sustainable peace
In the same context,
Dr _ Shanab announced plans to organize a consultative forum for journalists and media professionals from Darfur in the near future The forum will discuss key media issues facing the region and seek to develop a unified vision for improving media performance and strengthening coordination among media institutions in support of Darfur and Sudan as a whole
For its part, the Executive Office of the Sudanese Electronic Press Association – Darfur Region reaffirmed its full support for the Regional Government’s efforts and expressed its readiness to dedicate all its media platforms to serving national causes, promoting public awareness, countering disinformation, and supporting the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Joint Force, and other national security institutions until peace, security, and stability are achieved, enabling displaced persons and refugees to return safely to their homes .