Khartoum: The Sudan News Agency (SUNA) held a press conference addressing issues of media misinformation, violations of international conventions, and breaches of ethical standards.
According to Sudan News Agency, speaking at SUNA’s 42nd press conference, international law expert Dr. Hani Taj Al-Sir highlighted that international laws prohibit attempts to conceal crimes and human rights violations such as those committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia. He cited UN Security Council Resolution 1625, which outlines regulations for media conduct, emphasizing the availability of international judicial bodies where lawsuits can be filed to prosecute media outlets, including Sky News, for allegedly whitewashing militias responsible for crimes against humanity.
Ali Mansour, from the Darfur Journalists and Media Professionals Association, urged the government to take legal action in international courts against media outlets and journalists who enter Sudan without authorization and contribute to escalating wars and conflicts. He asserted that misleading media coverage has consistently violated laws, fueled violence and killings, and promoted criminals by disseminating false information, even in light of the RSF’s violations of international law.
Mohamed Al-Fatih Ahmed, Deputy President of the Union of Sudanese Journalists, stated that the conspiracy against Sudan is extensive, with media obscuring the truth by misrepresenting the conflict as a ‘war between generals’ or a ‘two-sided conflict.’ He clarified that it is a regional war targeting Sudan and its people.
He further mentioned that recent developments have revealed the role of paid and biased media, stressing the necessity for press conferences in Western countries to clarify emerging facts. He also noted a shift in tone by the U.S. Department of State, as the U.S. Secretary of State has accused the RSF militia of human rights violations and urged supporting countries to cease their assistance.
Al-Fatih concluded that the media plays a crucial role and should not remain passive but instead be among the frontline forces in the Battle of Dignity.