Ministry of Information (Sudan)

The Ministry of Information (وزارة الإعلام) in Sudan, previously known as the Ministry of Culture and Information (وزارة الثقافة والإعلام), is a governmental organisation that oversees the management and distribution of information related to the nation's affairs. The structure of this ministry has seen numerous alterations over time.

History
The media landscape in Sudan began in 1930 with the establishment of the first press and publications law, marking the initiation of media activities under the Public Liaison Office of the Sudanese Government. This period also saw the introduction of touring cinema. Significant developments continued with the establishment of Radio Hona Omdurman in April 1940, shortly after the end of the World War II, and the creation of a Photography Department, followed by a Film Production Department within the Public Liaison Office. The media in Sudan has been deeply intertwined with the country's struggle for national liberation and identity since its inception.

Post-independence, the media sector was incorporated into the national ministry framework, reflecting its importance in the newly independent nation. In 1954, during the transitional period to self-rule, the Ministry of Social Affairs was created from the Liaison Office, with Yahya Al-Fadhli becoming the first minister in this role.

Significant milestones include partnerships with foreign entities like the McCorquodale Printing Press in 1955, and leadership changes that saw figures like Ziadeh Othman Arbab and Muhammad Ahmed Abu Sun guide the ministry through periods of political transition. The ministry evolved through various name changes and expansions in its scope, including the significant addition of the Television Administration in 1962 and the establishment of the National Theatre.

The media's governance structure underwent several transformations, reflecting the political shifts within Sudan, from the Ministry of Information and Labour (1964) to the Ministry of National Guidance, and eventually to the Ministry of Culture and Information. These changes encompassed the establishment of new departments and initiatives aimed at enriching the cultural and informational landscape of the country, including the National Council for Arts and Letters and various media training institutes.

Throughout the years, the ministry has overseen the creation of regional radio stations, the launch of National Unity Radio, and the establishment of departments focused on children's culture and media professional training. Leadership transitions have often coincided with broader political changes, influencing the ministry's direction and priorities. The era of national salvation (1989 to 2019) introduced further reorganisations and the establishment of additional regional radio stations, continuing the expansion and diversification of Sudan's media infrastructure.

Vision
According to the ministry, the ministry's vision is to build an efficient, free, and capable information system. Its mission encompasses expressing the diversity of Sudan to reinforce national unity, establishing the concept of identity and belonging, deepening religious values, showcasing the positive image of Sudan externally, and advancing the information system. The ministry aims to develop a robust information infrastructure, establish a partnership between the state and the private sector in terms of information instruments, ensure all of Sudan is covered with information, and provide citizens with information.