Exile Media Hub Nairobi: A Sanctuary for Journalists from East Africa

The project protects and strengthens exiled journalists with safety, livelihood, financial and legal assistance, capacity development and more.

As the Sudan conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) reaches the one-year mark, over half of the population is grappling with a humanitarian crisis, resulting to the displacement of over 8.5 million people to neighboring countries.

Among those profoundly affected are numerous journalists, whose tireless efforts have been crucial to inform the world about their country’s complex situation. On the first anniversary of the conflict, Media in Cooperation and Transition (MiCT) together with its partners the International Press Association of East Africa (IPAEA) and Sudanese civil society organization Al Adwaa, and with support by UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), and the German Federal Foreign Office, is launching the Exile Media Hub in Kenya. This pioneering initiative is designed to provide comprehensive support to journalists impacted by the conflict in Sudan, and more broadly, to East African journalists and media practitioners in exile. 

Located in Nairobi, the Exile Media Hub aims to foster an environment where the critical voices of these courageous journalists can not only endure but thrive. Through settlement assistance, safety provisions, livelihood support, mental health resources, integration and legalization assistance, professional development opportunities and community-building initiatives, the project seeks to address the multifaceted threats they face from both state and non-state actors. These threats include digital and physical violence, as well as the financial uncertainties associated with relocation.

The project is implemented as part of the Hannah-Arendt-Initiative, a programme of the German Federal Government to support media professionals in crisis and conflict zones.

It is in line with our approach to help journalists who are endangered in their homeland to continue working in the region and it offers both a physical community, co-working space and a holistic and flexible support structure,” Peter Ptassek, Director for Strategic Communication and Public Diplomacy in the German Foreign Office said.

Over the past year of escalated conflict in Sudan, Sudanese journalists have demonstrated exceptional courage, working under extremely challenging circumstances and often facing significant risks. MiCT's commitment to supporting these courageous individuals remains unwavering," said Klaas Glenewinkel, Founder and Managing Director at MiCT. "The Exile Media Hub in Nairobi aims to be a safe space where they can get the support they need to navigate challenges and amplify their voices. We believe in the power of pluralistic public discourse to drive positive change, and the project is a crucial step towards ensuring that journalists in the region can continue to fulfill their vital role in society."

The protection of exiled journalists is essential to safeguarding freedom of expression and press freedom. Providing a safe environment for journalists to continue their work ensures that diverse lifesaving information reaches the public,”said UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, Tawfik Jelassi. “Through its “Safe Spaces” project launched by UNESCO’s International Programme on the Development of Communication, UNESCO is proud to Partner with MiCT on this important initiative and remains committed to supporting initiatives that uphold the safety and rights of journalists.”

The project is a direct response to concrete needs stated by journalists and media makers’ in 'Challenges & Support Needs of Exiled Journalists from Sudan, South Sudan & Ethiopia in Kenya’, published in July 2023 by MiCT, with the support of the Hannah-Arendt-Initiative.

This report highlighted a myriad of challenges faced by Sudanese and East African journalists in Kenya, including legal hurdles like visa renewals and refugee asylum status, as well as language barriers hindering integration. Financial constraints, such as high accommodation costs and limited income, were also cites, compounded by a lack of journalism equipment and workspaces with internet access.  

Furthermore, research highlighted a need for affordable healthcare, psychological support and capacity-building programs to help journalists address trauma and stress. Additionally, the report 'In the Shadow of Violence: The Pressing Needs of Sudanese Journalists,' published in October 2023 with UNESCO’s support, revealed alarming  statistics, with over half of the surveyed journalists reporting physical (53%) and digital (51%) threats. Nearly 80% expressed a desire to relocate, while 85% required technical equipment and 68% sought psychosocial support. 

The Exile Media Hub builds directly on MiCT’s “Fellowship for Critical Voices”, which has provided financial assistance, relocation support and mental health aid to over 80 journalists since May 2023.