The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) explored ways to strengthen the role of community media in supporting peace and social cohesion in Sudan during a visit to Red Sea Radio, as part of its efforts to support media institutions and enhance their capacity to serve communities affected by the war.
The visit assessed the needs of the radio station’s broadcasting system and new infrastructure, as well as its media programs and initiatives aimed at supporting local communities in countering hate speech, strengthening social cohesion, promoting peaceful coexistence, and contributing to education.
The visit also featured discussions on the role of the media in providing accurate and reliable information and using community platforms to disseminate peace messages and reduce rhetoric that fuels divisions, thereby strengthening communities’ resilience amid the repercussions of the war.
Tahir Hassan Mahmoud, a specialist in peace issues in eastern Sudan, told Mashawir that “community media can play a pivotal role in peacebuilding, particularly in areas with diverse social and cultural components that need spaces for dialogue and communication.”
He added that “local radio stations are capable of reaching broad segments of society, making them an important tool for promoting a culture of peace, countering hate speech, and correcting misinformation that could intensify tensions and divisions.”
He noted that “strengthening the capacities of media institutions and providing a professional environment that allows for balanced and reliable messaging are essential components of peacebuilding efforts.”
He called for expanding partnerships between media institutions and organizations working in the fields of peace and social cohesion.
