By Professor Janet Steele:

The situation in Sudan is quite complicated, as there are two completely different cultures and political environments in the North and the South. I was really lucky to get to meet with journalists in both Khartoum and Juba.  

Prof. Janet Steele overlooks the Nile River during a recent trip to Sudan.

In the North, I tried to use my experience in Malaysia and Indonesia to reach out to Muslim journalists in Khartoum, and was pleasantly surprised to discover that they understand the universal principles of journalism in a local "idiom" that is very similar to what I’ve found in Muslim Southeast Asia. 

In South Sudan -- which is very likely to vote for independence in next year's referendum -- I met with a group of approximately 40 female journalists, a class of about 100 students at the University of Juba, and to led a round-table discussion with senior editors and officials from the Ministry of Information on the principles that should underlie a media bill.

The meeting with the female journalists was among the most moving experiences I had in Sudan. I heard a flood of complaints and grievances and learned a lot about the obstacles facing Sudanese women in the media. Discriminated against by their bosses, ignored by male sources, intimidated and sometimes sexually harassed by the police and security personal, the life of women journalists in South Sudan is a difficult one.

My favorite memory? On my last day in Juba, I was interviewed by Sudan Radio Service. The last question was something to the effect of did I have any final words for the people and journalists of South Sudan. Fortunately, I remembered a great quote that I'd heard earlier in the day. Apparently at the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord in 2005, independence hero John Garang said something to the effect of "the fight with the guns has ended; it is now your turn to fight with the pen." I thought this was a wonderful sentiment, and was really happy that it came to mind in time to use it! 

During my last afternoon in Juba, I had a small run-in with a plainclothes policeman, who confiscated my camera (supposedly) because I had taken an unauthorized photograph of Juba's mosque. I was really embarrassed at having caused the problem for my two Sudanese friends, but at the same time I also recognized that what was happening was a vivid illustration of the kind of intimidation the female journalists had described earlier in my visit. Despite having an armored vehicle, the assistance of two highly capable US embassy personnel, and radio access to the American Regional Security Officer, I nevertheless felt quite threatened by this hostile young guy who wore no uniform and offered no identification while ordering me to hand over my camera. 

In retrospect, it may have been one of the most interesting and valuable things that I experienced. 

I did get my camera back, and am sending along a photo that one of my friends took shortly thereafter. I'm standing next to the Nile, and am looking slightly frazzled, but happy.