Media Labs – For a Transparent and Diverse Media Future in Sudan

Freedom of expression in Sudan is severely restricted. Media professionals and journalists face constant threats of heavy censorship. During the revolution, many people lost trust in the government and its official reporting. This underscored the vital role of citizen journalists, who, beyond social media, have sought new ways to report. Using digital platforms, they have expanded the media landscape. The NEXT LEVEL – Media Labs project aims to harness this citizen engagement to build a transparent and diverse media landscape.

In 2022, a six-member editorial team of selected media experts came together to create an online platform that sheds light on Sudan's sociopolitical transformation processes.

"The founding of the SIKKA website occurred during a bloody and dark time. The streets were filled with angry demonstrators and martyrs. Despite these harsh conditions, the SIKKA team began documenting. They gathered reports and articles from the national archives, analyzed them, and created original content. Under the most challenging circumstances, they brought their cameras to record video interviews or podcasts directly from the heart of the demonstrations. They captured what could have been lost in the darkness: the cultural, intellectual, and artistic vitality of the revolution. Today, this project is more important than ever as it preserves moments and stories that reflect the beauty, love, and resilience the Sudanese people brought forth even in the face of impending destruction. It is a vital project for the collective memory of the Sudanese people."
– Mamoun Eltilib, Mentor

In 2023, the team focused on producing new online content to establish the platform as a living historical document. Additionally, one-day campaigns were held at schools to introduce the platform and engage students in discussions about the opportunities and challenges of social media and online platforms.

In 2024, the emphasis shifted to the editorial team’s independence. To prepare them for running the platform without Goethe-Institut support, they received training on grant applications and business plan development. Media Labs illustrates the importance of amplifying the voices of civil society in a tightly restricted media environment. By promoting citizen journalism and creating an independent platform, the initiative not only enhances access to diverse information but also contributes to greater transparency and societal change in Sudan.

Mamoun Eltilib (42), Mentor
Mamoun is a freelance writer, cultural editor, and language specialist. Since 2005, he has worked as a cultural editor for newspapers and magazines and has been active in various Sudanese institutions and initiatives in the field of cultural organization and management.
"Throughout my professional and literary career, I have always advocated for cultural change through the power of culture and free thought. In SIKKA, I saw an opportunity to pass on my knowledge and experience to a team of dedicated young people who believe in this change."

Hassan Adil (26), Moderator and Specialist in Digital Marketing and E-Commerce
Originally from Sudan, Hassan currently resides in the United Arab Emirates. He works in marketing and business development, with a particular focus on digital marketing and e-commerce.
"Projects like SIKKA are essential as they serve as foundations for revolutionary and expressive movements. They bring together art and revolution while safeguarding the right of artists and activists to express their visions independently of the political landscape."