Khartoum, June 4, 2026 (SUNA) – A workshop on institutional performance review and evaluation of the Ministry of Culture, Information, Antiquities and Tourism convened on Thursday, with the participation of ministry leadership, directors of directorates, and specialized units. The workshop aimed to assess the level of implementation of plans and programmes during the period from January 2025 to May 2026, and to identify challenges faced by the ministry across the culture, media, antiquities, and tourism sectors. Participants discussed performance reports and achievement indicators in cultural projects, tourism promotion programmes, protection of archaeological sites, in addition to the role of the media in supporting national development issues. The Minister of Culture, Information, Antiquities and Tourism affirmed that periodic review constitutes a fundamental pillar for achieving the ministry’s strategic and interim objectives, which include rehabilitating cultural, media, archaeological, and tourism institutions destroyed by the war, combating hate speech, promoting national unity, and supporting the Government of Hope’s reconstruction and national recovery programmes and projects. The Minister praised the efforts of ministry staff and the tangible achievements made across its four sectors despite the major challenges imposed by the war, foremost among them the destruction of infrastructure, scarcity of resources and funding, and shortage of human cadres. He pointed out that the ministry’s current workforce does not exceed 13 employees, in addition to the ministry undersecretaries, compared to a total workforce of 780 before the war. This reflects the magnitude of efforts exerted and achievements accomplished under these exceptional circumstances. The report comes within the framework of the Ministry of Culture, Information, Antiquities and Tourism’s commitment to the principle of transparency and informing public opinion of the most prominent achievements, activities, and programmes implemented during the period from January 2025 to May 2026, based on official and verified data and documents, enabling an objective presentation of facts and reflecting the scale of efforts and results achieved during this period. In line with its national responsibility and its role in promoting the public’s right to access accurate information, the ministry is keen to reflect reality with full transparency and professionalism, believing in citizens’ right to knowledge and access to facts from official sources. This is embodied in the ministry’s motto: “The people have the right to know, the media has the right to ask, and the official must respond.” The following are the ministry’s key achievements during the period from January 2025 to May 2026: First: Completed Projects in the Media Sector1.   Through the External Media Directorate, the ministry implemented a series of activities aimed at highlighting the state’s official position, enhancing external media openness, and developing communication tools with regional and international media outlets. This contributed to improving Sudan’s image abroad and strengthening transparency in reporting events. The following activities were implemented: o   The Minister held 12 media interviews with international television channels and newspapers to enhance external communication and convey the state’s official position.o   Organizing 53 visits for foreign delegations and journalists to various institutions and states.o   Issuing 41 invitations to foreign media outlets to participate in national conferences and events.o   Issuing 71 travel permits to the states in coordination with relevant authorities.o   Issuing 143 special visas for international media institutions, including Sky News English, BBC, Swedish Television, TRT Turkish, Radio France Internationale, Al Alam Iranian TV, Italian Television, and NPR (USA), in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the General Intelligence Service.o   Assisting several international television institutions in producing documentary films on war crimes committed by the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia.2.   The ministry established a specialized unit to monitor, analyze, and address misinformation and false information published by regional and international media outlets to counter media warfare. The monitoring unit produced 255 reports, through which 816 misleading news items and reports were identified and addressed via responses and corrections on the ministry’s platform, official pages, and other media outlets. 3.   The ministry carried out six international participations in conferences and global events, enhancing Sudan’s cultural, media, and tourism presence in international forums (Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt, Eritrea, United Kingdom, and Kuwait). These engagements resulted in key gains, including raising awareness about the situation in Sudan, correcting misconceptions about the ongoing war, and attracting significant support from regional organizations such as ICESCO and UNESCO.4.   The ministry organized a workshop from 26–27 May 2025 to discuss proposed amendments to the Press and Publications Act, under the patronage of the Vice-President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council (TSC), with the aim of updating media legislation and strengthening governance and transparency in media work. The workshop produced agreed recommendations to amend the Act, and a committee was formed from the National Council on Press and Publications, alongside relevant authorities, to draft the Act and submit it to the Ministry of Justice – Legislative Directorate.5.   Updating the ministry’s official website to keep pace with technological developments in content and digital transformation, enabling electronic public services.6.   Initiating procedures for listing, registering, and regularizing the legal status of electronic media platforms and outlets, as part of efforts by the ministry and the National Council for Press and Publications to regulate the electronic media sector and build a modern, comprehensive database of media institutions. 7.   The ministry implemented intensive media efforts to support the National Mechanism for the Protection of Civilians, including comprehensive coverage of its meetings and activities through news bulletins, talk shows, field reports, and live broadcasts. It also dedicated documentary programmes to documenting crimes and violations, most notably the programme “The Black Record,” in addition to documenting the reopening of police stations and the deployment of regular forces through field reports and interviews, as well as broadcasting awareness messages for returning citizens regarding security and safety.8.   The ministry contributed significantly to raising awareness of the currency replacement process through a package of media activities and news coverage, and organized a workshop on digital transformation and electronic payment systems.9.   The ministry made intensive efforts to ensure the success of the Sudanese School Certificate examinations at various stages, covering all examination centres inside Sudan and abroad.10.                      Efforts to settle workers’ entitlements in media institutions included the following:Settlement of dues for 113 employees of Al-Shorouq TV.Settlement of delayed cash alternative and clothing allowance for employees of state broadcasting and television bodies.Settlement of dues and allowances for employees of the General Authority for Radio and Television.Settlement of dues for contributors at Blue Nile TV attached to national television. 11.                      The ministry facilitated the return of 1,500 staff members and Sudanese citizens residing in the Arab Republic of Egypt.Sudan News Agency (SUNA)Activation of SUNA’s role as the primary official platform for government news and information, and development and modernization of its website and social media platforms, enhancing its digital presence locally and internationally.Provision of equipment, mobility tools, and operational support, enabling the agency to implement the following:1.   Establishment of a bureau at the Council of Ministers to cover the activities of the Prime Minister and the Government of Hope.2.   Reopening of the Khartoum State office and establishment of a new office in River Nile State.3.   Organization of 55 weekly briefing platforms addressing national issues, most notably the first forum held in Khartoum after its liberation, which was attended by His Excellency the President of the Sovereignty Council.4.   Organization of two workshops with the Ministry of Industry (Zero Waste of Hides) and UNESCO (Media and Education).5.   Establishment of two YouTube channels broadcasting in French and English, and another channel documenting the “Battle of Dignity.” 6.   Restoration of the Sudanese encyclopaedia “Sudapedia,” documenting Sudan’s history.7.   Publication of 58,611 news items across various journalistic formats, including politics, services, and economy, and translation of 6,560 items into English and French to enhance international outreach.8.   Comprehensive media coverage of the postponed 2024 Sudan School Certificate examinations inside Sudan and abroad (Chad, Saudi Arabia, Egypt).9.   Continuous coverage of military and security statements issued by the Armed Forces and Ministry of Interior, highlighting efforts to restore security and operate police stations.10.                      Production of media content supporting the Battle of Dignity, highlighting army achievements, reconstruction efforts, combating hate speech, and promoting national unity.11.                      Coverage of the activities and meetings of the TSC President, Vice-President, and members inside and outside the country, as well as those of the Prime Minister and members of the Government of Hope.12.                      Ongoing international media activity through SUDANOW magazine in English, and news exchange with the Federation of Arab News Agencies (FANA) and the Federation of News Agencies of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). 13.                      Coverage of higher committees’ activities (currency replacement, civilian protection, facilitating citizens’ return, and relief efforts for war-affected populations).General Authority for Radio and TelevisionThe Authority witnessed qualitative development in infrastructure and programming performance, including the establishment of the Regional Centre in Port Sudan equipped with modern studios and broadcasting facilities, laying the foundation stone for a second regional centre in River Nile State, and resuming radio and television broadcasting from the Omdurman headquarters, alongside contracts for rehabilitation works.Delivery of new equipment to the national television to upgrade two production studios and prepare for HD broadcasting.Reactivation of state-level radio and television stations and expansion of national broadcasting coverage.This led to enhanced performance in national mobilization and media support for the “Battle of Dignity,” countering misinformation, and highlighting state performance. The Authority implemented the following:1.   Comprehensive coverage of Sovereignty Council and executive activities, including five foreign visits by the President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council to West African countries and participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.2.   Strengthening coverage of economic, service, and humanitarian issues, and exposing violations committed by the terrorist RSF militia.3.   Production of political and military programmes supporting the Armed Forces, with participation of 78 experts and analysts.4.   Live coverage of major national and regional events, including Sudan’s case at the International Court of Justice, Arab Summit activities, and press conferences on media law amendments. Second: Completed Projects in Culture and Antiquities Sector1.   Submission of three international conventions to the Cabinet and approval thereof: the 1970 Convention on Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, the 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, and the 1995 UNIDROIT Convention on Stolen or Illegally Exported Cultural Objects.2.   Conducting 10 training workshops with 300 participants in cooperation with UNESCO, ICESCO, and ALECSO in cultural leadership, AI, and archaeology.3.   Intensive efforts to combat illicit trafficking of antiquities and recover plundered artifacts during the war.4.   Formation of technical committees to assess war damage to museums and archaeological sites.5.   Recovery and securing of 598 archaeological artifacts and their digitization and archiving for the first time in Sudan.6.   Filing criminal complaints against perpetrators of antiquities theft in cooperation with the Public Prosecution, Ministry of Justice, and INTERPOL.7.   Inclusion of Sudanese sites in UNESCO tentative World Heritage lists (Kerma and Old Dongola Mosque).8.   Completion of the heritage village in Kassala State and training workshops for restoration engineers, along with documentation of oral heritage.9.   Review of UNESCO emergency support plan (2025–2027).10.                      Resumption of archaeological work by 15 foreign missions in safe areas.11.                      Launch of the “Call to Save Sudanese Cultural Heritage” document in coordination with UNESCO.12.                      Launch of the Social Peace Festival with participation of over 50 artists and production of 20 national songs.13.                      Issuance of seven issues of the ministry’s official magazine, documenting state activities and the sectors of culture, media, antiquities, and tourism. 14.                      Preparation of 5 cultural and tourism projects submitted to the Cabinet for implementation (2026–2027).15.                      Completion of joint heritage files for UNESCO listing (Henna, Pottery, Jirtig, Sumbuk, Oud Music).16.                      Participation in Jerash Festival (39th edition).17.                      Participation in Kuwait Capital of Arab Culture 2025 closing events and Arab media committee sessions.18.                      Participation in Sudan–Turkey Joint Economic Committee (16th session, Ankara, May 2026).19.                      Cultural workshops, museum protection events, and World Theatre Day celebrations.20.                      Rehabilitation of the National Theatre.21.                      Four cultural nights promoting peace and coexistence.22.                      National Library activities including ISSN/ISBN restoration, workshops, and book promotion events. Third: Completed Projects in Tourism Sector1.   Licensing of 1,356 tourism agencies and companies.2.   Securing more than 15 archaeological and tourism sites.3.   Receiving and rehabilitating the Suakin Governorate building for use as a heritage hotel.4.   Celebrating World Tourism Day in eight states.5.   Participation in the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh.6.   6. Field visits to the Northern State and River Nile State, and the launch of Dongola as the Tourism Capital for 2026.7.   Participation in COMESA tourism strategy development (Mombasa, April 2026). 8.   Completion of the 2026 tourism guide.BH/BH