Face of the Truth: Field Journalism

Ibrahim Shaglawi

There are moments in the history of nations when the news itself is no longer the issue; rather, the way it is reached becomes part of shaping the future. For countries emerging from war, the battle for recovery does not begin merely with rebuilding roads and bridges, but with rebuilding trust between the state and society. Here, the media transforms from a mere conduit for conveying news into a partner in the recovery process by shifting from covering battlefields to reading the maps of production and development.

From this perspective, the media convoy organized by the Angara Center for Press Services at the beginning of the week to Al Jazirah and Blue Nile states carries significance that goes beyond journalistic activity. It stands as a model of field journalism outside newsroom walls, serving as one of the tools for raising awareness about reconstruction.

The importance of this initiative lies in restoring the value of field journalism at a stage that demands seeing reality as it is, far from impressions and debates circulating on social media platforms. The delegation’s visit, which included the Gezira Scheme and Blue Nile State, conveys a highly significant message: Sudan’s priorities in the post-war period must shift from managing conflict to managing resources, and from following the war to following the fronts of production and public services.

The visit also reflects a transformation in the concept of development media. The journalist’s role is no longer confined to covering events, but extends to building trust, opening channels of dialogue between the government and citizens, and conveying field realities that help decision-makers correct policies. Therefore, Mr. Jamal Angara’s description of the initiative as “an initiative of journalists” reaffirmed the independence of the national role of the media and emphasized that journalism is a partner in development, not merely a recipient of information.

On the other hand, the delegation’s meetings with the Government of Al Jazirah State and the management of the Gezira Scheme carried important political and developmental messages. They presented indicators of the recovery of the agricultural infrastructure and irrigation system, while confirming the stability of water supply, the continuation of rehabilitation and maintenance works, the introduction of modern technologies, and the expansion of cotton, wheat, and sorghum cultivation. Together, these indicators reflect a serious determination to restore the Scheme’s vitality in support of food security and the national economy.

For decision-makers, however, the testimony of the farmers remains the most important message. Restoring irrigation canals and infrastructure, despite its necessity, is not sufficient unless it translates into a genuine capacity for production. The challenges posed by rising input costs, constrained financing, and accumulated debts require government intervention that goes beyond temporary remedies toward a vision that ensures producers remain capable of contributing. Recovery is measured not only by the return of water to the canals, but by the return of confidence to the fields, because the state’s success at this stage is tested first by the farmer before it appears in official reports.

The delegation’s field tour also revealed that the battle for recovery is not confined to the fields alone. It extends to restoring health, media, and culture. The return of vital institutions confirms that post-war reconstruction begins with reviving people and state institutions, because national security depends not only on food, but also on awareness, public services, and an identity that regains its vitality.

The convoy’s move to Blue Nile marked a second stop of great significance. A region long associated with conflict presented a different image this time—one of stability and recovery. Governor Lieutenant General Ahmed Al-Omda Badi announced the restoration of security and the return of people to their communities, encapsulating a political message that consolidating peace must become the gateway to development and state rebuilding. In this context, the role of professional journalism is reaffirmed in confronting disinformation, restoring public trust, and strengthening awareness of the country’s unity—a message embodied by the convoy through its presence.

Recognition is also due to the colleagues who responded to this initiative despite the difficult circumstances and complexities of the current stage, choosing to be where events are made rather than merely where they are narrated. Such experiences deserve to become a working approach extended to all states of Sudan, because journalism that goes into the field, listens to people, and observes reality firsthand is best positioned to fulfill its professional mission, contribute to building public awareness, and support the path of national recovery.

From our position at #Face_of_the_Truth, we affirm that the importance of this convoy lies not only in bringing together a number of male and female journalists on a field journey, but also in raising a broader question about the future of Sudanese media after the war: Will it remain confined to newsrooms and commentary platforms, or will it become a partner in the battle of reconstruction? The answer offered by this initiative is that when journalism touches the ground, listens to farmers, and witnesses the scale of challenges at sites of work, production, and public services, it becomes part of the solution rather than merely a transmitter of the crisis.

Wishing you continued health and well-being.

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

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