Sudan: A move towards enhanced cooperation

Freedom of expression and an independent and professionally oriented media are critical to ensuring a sustainable peace and building democratic institutions in Sudan. Clearly, raising awareness and educating the population in the lead up to the 2010 elections is imperative and the media play an important, if not crucial, role and so there must be emphasis placed on media training over the next year.

The media are key players in the political process in Sudan, and it is crucial that a free, professional and pluralist media in Sudan is bolstered thereby more effectively playing their role building sustainable peace and democracy. This is particularly important given the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections set for April 2010 and for a referendum in Southern Sudan – cornerstones for the democratic development of Sudan.