Generally speaking journalists cannot travel to Sudan without special permission. With that being said traveling as a journalist incognito is possible, although where you realistically visit depends on the security situation on the ground.
To read why Sudan is such a mess click here.
What is the political situation in Sudan?
Sudan is a country currently ran as a military dictatorship following the coup against mixed military civilian rule in 2021. The coup has generally been unpopular among the local populace and has resulted in regular strikes and protests.
Said protests happen throughout the country, but particularly in big cities such as Khartoum Most people including the protestors themselves see these actions as futile and they are legally allowed by the government due to this. This means they are relatively easy to cover from a guerrilla journalism point of view.
With that being said white faces will certainly stand out in a crowd and the security forces will assume that you are acting as journalist.
Therefore journalistic trips can be arranged to “mainland” Republic of Sudan.
Risk of Terrorism in Sudan
Despite warnings by some government agencies and the former Islamist past of Sudan the risk from conventional terrorism is relatively low. There are though various armed groups within the country, as well as insurgent groups in Sudan that do pose a danger to travelers.
Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula have pit our warnings against foreign interests within East Africa, including Sudan, although the actual existence of Islamic militancy is estimated to be low to non-existent.
Risk of kidnapping in Sudan
Nationally the risk of kidnapping in Sudan is fairly low, although some pockets of Sudan are at an extremely high risk of both low and high end kidnapping.
Darfur is one of the areas that is most dangerous for kidnapping and there have been various instances of this occurring. Kidnappings can come from various actors within the region and can be for political and, or financial means.
When it come to kidnapping in Darfur journalists and NGO workers are considered fair game.
Which areas of Sudan cannot be visited?
The following areas of Sudan are considered with differing degrees the most dangerous parts to travel in Sudan. To varying degrees we can arrange travel to these parts of Sudan.
- North, South and West Darfur.
- Abyei region.
- North and South Kordufan.
- Blue and White Nile State.
- Sennar State.
- Border regions between Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia.
Can journalists travel to Darfur
While previously embroiled in a brutal war the situation ion Darfur has drastically improved. Yet while war has largely abated it has essentially left the area in the control of various warlords. This has raised the risk of violence and particularly kidnap within the region.
With that being said some areas are far less dangerous than others and safe passage can potentially be arranged to certain areas with the correct permission.
Can journalists travel to Abyei
Abyei is the area between Sudan and South Sudan that technically a condominium of both countries. In actuality the political situation is extremely fictionalized and dangerous.
At present all travel to Abyei is currently advised against, although this is a fluid situation and we suggest getting in touch if you wish to visit Abyei.
To read about Abyei click here
Can journalists travel to Bir Tawil
It is extremely dangerous to travel to Bir Tamil without permission or unaccompanied. If you do so you are at risk of being kidnapped, or worse shot.
Travel to Bir Tawil for tourists and journalists can be arranged, but it relies on getting permission from the local Ababda tribe, something that is far from always granted.
To read the strange tale of unclaimed land click here.
How can I book a journalist trip to Sudan?
To enquire about traveling to Sudan as a journalist you can contact us here
