Sudanese MPs demand radio stations to compete with Radio Dabanga

Members of Parliament have criticised the Ministry of Information for failing to provide radio coverage in the states of Darfur, Blue Nile, and South Kordofan, “leaving the field to Radio Dabanga”. The Minister announced the production of 20 radio stations for these states.

They also accused the Ministry of failing to respond to accusations in the media that Sudan receives every day. MP El Nur Dali, said that the “Sudan People’s Liberation Movement has been able to attract large numbers of sons [rebel fighters] from Blue Nile state because of Radio Dabanga”.

Another MP, Ragab Mohamed Ragab said that foreign media “is daily confronting us and is committing media genocide”.

New radio stations

Information Minister Ahmed Bilal Osman acknowledged that there are gaps in radio and television coverage. He told Parliament that there are 20 new FM radio stations that will be directed to the states of Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan in Arabic and local dialects.

In an interview with Radio Dabanga, a citizen said that this station represents “a reference for all the Sudanese, especially the vulnerable and the marginalised… They are seeking truth and credible media that express their issues and problems, in the light of the state media’s loss of credibility and professionalism.”

Radio Dabanga broadcasts in shortwave to the whole of Sudan and neighbouring countries. Satellite broadcasts are confined to the larger cities.