IN the heart of Sudan, where the Blue and White Nile rivers converge, a beacon of courage has emerged in the form of Durra Mohammed Gambo, a journalist whose unwavering commitment to truth has illuminated the darkest corners of oppression.
Recently honoured as the 2025 laureate of the Service to Journalism Award by The Africa Editors Forum (TAEF), Durra’s story is a testament to the transformative power of journalism in the face of adversity.
Amidst the chaos of a nation torn apart by conflict, Durra Mohammed Gambo stood resolute, her notebook and recorder capturing the stories that needed to be told. Despite the dangers, she remained steadfast, documenting the plight of civilians and the threats faced by journalists in Sudan. Her determination to report the truth, even in the face of danger, has inspired countless others to follow in her footsteps.
For over two decades, Durra has walked a path fraught with challenges. As a founding member of the Sudanese Journalists Network and a pioneer of Al Ahdath newspaper, she has consistently pushed boundaries to ensure that truth is heard. Her work has spanned pivotal moments in Sudan’s history, including the tumultuous South Sudan referendum and periods of civil unrest. Through her reporting with Al Jazeera, BBC, and Sudan Bukra TV, Durra has become a voice for those silenced by conflict.
Durra’s commitment to unbiased reporting has made her a target for both warring factions in Sudan. Yet, despite being forced into exile, she has refused to back down, choosing truth over safety. Her mantra, “Information is not just power, information is freedom,” has inspired a generation of journalists to stand for what is right, even when it is difficult.
Durra is the second recipient of this prestigious award, following the esteemed Mathatha Tsedu, and she stands as a beacon of courage, resilience, and integrity in journalism. For over two decades, she has fearlessly reported on some of Sudan’s most defining moments, from the South Sudan referendum to civil unrest, exposing human rights violations and giving voice to those silenced by oppression.
A founding member of the Sudanese Journalists Network and a pioneer of Al Ahdath newspaper, Durra has played a critical role in independent journalism in Sudan. Her work with international outlets such as Al Jazeera, BBC, and Sudan Bukra TV has provided the world with an unfiltered lens into the realities of war, displacement, and the struggle for democracy.
Her commitment to the truth has come at a significant personal cost. As Sudan descended into war, she found herself trapped in a conflict that sought to control the media narrative. Threatened by both warring factions, she refused to compromise her journalistic integrity. In her own words: “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.
Churchill Otieno, President of TAEF, praised Durra’s exceptional contribution to journalism: “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.”
Otieno said as the 2025 Service to Journalism Award laureate, Durra joins a distinguished legacy of journalists who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to ethical reporting and press freedom in Africa.
TAEF’s recognition of Durra as the 2025 laureate of the Service to Journalism Award is a testament to her bravery and dedication. This prestigious honor acknowledges her role in transforming journalism from a profession into a purpose, a calling that transcends borders and inspires courage in others.
Durra’s legacy extends far beyond awards. She has created an inheritance of courage, inspiring young journalists across Sudan and beyond. Her name is whispered in reverence in newsrooms and refugee camps alike, a reminder that a single voice armed with truth can illuminate entire nations.
To those who know her story, Durra is more than a journalist; she is proof that even in the darkest night, a single flame can illuminate the path to freedom. And as long as there are those willing to carry such flames, truth will never perish from the earth. Durra’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of journalism to hold power accountable and to give voice to those who have been silenced.
