Sudanese journalist in exile, Durra Mohammed Gambo has been honoured with The African Editors Forum (TAEF) Service to Journalism Award.
The award was given to Ms Gambo on the ongoing African Media Festival organized by Baraza Lab, within the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.
The award is in recognition of Durra Gambo’s unwavering dedication to press freedom, fact, and democracy, making her the second recipient of this prestigious award, following the esteemed Mathatha Tsedu, and she or he stands as a beacon of braveness, resilience, and integrity in journalism.
An announcement issued by TAEF, says for over 20 years, she has fearlessly reported on a few of Sudan’s most defining moments, from the South Sudan referendum to civil unrest, exposing human rights violations and giving voice to these silenced by oppression.
A founding member of the Sudanese Journalists Network and a pioneer of Al Ahdath newspaper, Durra has performed a important function in unbiased journalism in Sudan. Her work with worldwide shops resembling Al Jazeera, BBC, and Sudan Bukra TV has offered the world with an unfiltered lens into the realities of struggle, displacement, and the wrestle for democracy.
Her dedication to the reality has come at a major private price. As Sudan descended into struggle, she discovered herself trapped in a battle that sought to regulate the media narrative. Threatened by each warring factions, she refused to compromise her journalistic integrity.
In her personal phrases: “There is a direct threat to journalists from both armies. There are bombs everywhere. There are no safe ways for civilians to leave the city of Khartoum.”
“Despite the grave dangers she faces, Durra continues to fight for press freedom, embodying the very essence of journalism—truth in the face of fear, resilience in the face of repression, and an unshakable belief that information is the cornerstone of freedom,” the assertion mentioned.
Commenting, Churchill Otieno, President of TAEF, praised Durra’s distinctive contribution to journalism, stating:
“Durra Mohammed Gambo’s bravery is a testament to the power of journalism in holding power to account. She reminds us all why press freedom must be protected, why truth must always be defended, and why the voices of those in conflict must never be silenced. We are honored to recognize her work with this award.”
As the 2025 Service to Journalism Award laureate, Durra joins a distinguished legacy of journalists who’ve demonstrated excellent dedication to moral reporting and press freedom in Africa, the assertion added.
TAEF notes that it stays dedicated to defending and celebrating fearless journalism throughout the continent.
By Peter Menash