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News_Naija

Regional And Ethnic Bias In The Sudanese War

Since the outbreak of Sudan’s civil war in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, human rights organisations, such as Human Rights Watch, have raised serious concerns about regional and ethnic bias within the Sudanese military. In its March 2025 report, Human Rights Watch stated: “The army treats civilians from western Sudan as collaborators with the RSF, leading to ethnic cleansing campaigns.” Reports indicate that the Sudanese army, under General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, exhibits entrenched regional and ethnic biases, particularly in its treatment of civilians from Western Sudanese regions, such as Darfur and South Kordofan. According to Human Rights Watch, the army’s perception of tribal and regional loyalty leads it to treat civilians from these areas as RSF supporters, justifying excessive use of force against them. In January 2025, military attacks on the village of Tayba in Al-Jazira State resulted in the deaths of 17 civilians, including women and children. Survivor Majid Montaser (25) recounted on January 15, 2025: “I saw soldiers enter our home and shoot my father and brother without saying a word. They killed people in cold blood, as if we were enemies, just because we are from Darfur.” A local observer, speaking anonymously for security reasons, told Human Rights Watch in March 2025: “The army targets anyone who appears to be from western Sudan; this is ethnic cleansing.” A February 2025 Global Crisis Centre report noted that those practices reflected a long history of ethnic discrimination within Sudanese state institutions, particularly the military, where non-Arab groups, such as the Masalit and Fur, are viewed as existential threats, prompting systemic repression. Militias aligned with the Sudanese military, including the Sudanese Shield Forces led by Abu Aqla Kikal and the Al-Baraa Bin Malik Battalion affiliated with the Islamic Movement, have intensified these violations. According to Human Rights Watch’s March 2025 report, these militias have carried out mass killings and forced displacements in areas such as Kanabi and Wad Madani, employing brutal tactics like beheadings and mutilations. A video published by international media on January 18, 2025, showed fighters from Al-Baraa Bin Malik Battalion tying a rope around a man’s mouth, pushing him off the Hantoub Bridge, and shooting him—illustrating extreme violence in violation of international law. Another survivor, Sami Othman (32) from Wad Madani, told Reuters on January 20, 2025: “The militias allied with the army did not differentiate between men, women, or children. They assumed we were all from Darfur and targeted us for killing and displacement.” A United Nations Security Council report in March 2025 emphasised that those militias operated under the army’s command, expanding responsibility for those violations to the military leadership. While the RSF has also faced accusations of human rights abuses, analysts suggest it lacks the overt regional and ethnic bias that characterises the Sudanese army. Researcher Leila Ahmed of the Global Crisis Centre argues that the RSF operates with a more regionally diverse recruitment structure, drawing members from various tribes and areas, including Darfur. A February 2025 United Nations report noted that in certain RSF-controlled areas, such as parts of South Darfur, humanitarian access had improved due to coordination with local civilian authorities. Survivor Fatima Ibrahim (28) from South Darfur told The Guardian on March 10, 2025: “In RSF-controlled areas, we could communicate our needs, unlike in army-controlled areas, where we were treated as enemies because of our origins.” Despite criticism, this suggests a greater degree of regional inclusivity compared to the army. International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan remarked in a Guardian interview on January 25, 2024: “The ethnic and regional dimension is not as pronounced in RSF operations as it is in the Sudanese army’s actions.” This highlights the contrasting approaches between the two factions, with the RSF appearing to avoid ethnic discrimination as a core strategy, despite its own record of violations. In January 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, accusing the military of “deadly attacks on civilians,” including ethnic cleansing. U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo told Reuters on January 17, 2025: “These measures reaffirm our commitment to ending this conflict. The United States will continue holding these leaders accountable for their disregard for civilian lives.” Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch stressed in its report the need to investigate the role of militias allied with the army, stating: “The ethnic bias within the military institutionalises violence against civilians, making peace impossible without comprehensive accountability.” Some experts, such as Professor Mohammed Ali of the University of Khartoum, suggested in a March 2025 BBC interview that despite its violations, the RSF might be more adaptable in dealing with regional diversity, potentially making it a partner in future peace efforts if guided effectively. The documented abuses by the Sudanese military and its allied militias reveal deep-seated regional and ethnic biases, fuelling ethnic cleansing campaigns against civilians, particularly from western Sudan. In contrast, the RSF appears to lack this explicit bias, raising questions about its potential role in an inclusive peace process. However, ending this conflict requires international intervention to ensure accountability for all parties and to protect civilians while recognising the complex challenges posed by each faction.

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News_Naija

AI Tools Changing The Way Journalists Work

Artificial Intelligence is transforming journalism with tools that enhance writing, fact-checking, and transcription, sparking debates over efficiency, ethics, and the future of newsrooms, JUSTICE OKAMGBA writes Artificial intelligence writing tools are becoming increasingly essential for journalists, offering ways to streamline content creation, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance productivity. From grammar checkers to automated transcription and fact-checking tools, AI is shaping the way reporters gather and produce news. However, opinions on the role of AI in journalism remain divided, with some industry professionals viewing these tools as an asset, while others question their impact on journalistic integrity. AI writing tools AI-powered writing tools have gained traction across various industries, and journalism is no exception. These tools assist with tasks such as grammar correction, content optimisation, and data analysis. Hustlers University, an online learning platform, highlighted the benefits of AI tools, stating that they “streamline processes, improve efficiency, and provide valuable insights” in fields such as healthcare, business, and journalism. For journalists, some of the most widely used AI tools include Grammarly, Quillbot, and NewsAI, which help refine writing by detecting errors and optimising content. Additionally, natural language processing tools like IBM Watson and Microsoft Azure analyse large volumes of text to identify trends and generate insights. One of the most impactful AI applications in journalism is automated transcription. These tools convert audio and video recordings into text, making it easier for journalists to transcribe interviews, speeches, and other recorded content. “With automated transcription, journalists can save time and effort by quickly transcribing interviews,” Hustlers University noted. Another crucial AI-powered tool is fact-checking. With the rise of misinformation and disinformation, journalists rely on machine learning algorithms to verify information and assess source credibility. These tools can quickly flag inconsistencies in statements and detect false claims, providing an additional layer of verification for news reporting. AI not a replacement While AI tools can enhance efficiency, industry experts emphasise that they do not replace the fundamental role of journalists in investigating, reporting, and fact-checking stories. “To build AI that can produce human-like works of writing, tech companies have had to ingest a large trove of written works, such as news articles and digitised books,” said journalist Blessing Ehiobu. However, she cautioned that “these tools are not intended to, and cannot, replace the essential role journalists have in reporting, creating, and fact-checking their articles.” Instead, AI provides journalists with options for headlines, different writing styles, and real-time collaboration, making it a supportive tool rather than a substitute for human judgement. Ehiobu further explained that AI allows journalists to “quickly access new information, automate repetitive tasks, uncover emerging trends, and analyse large volumes of data.” AI-powered tools also help reporters locate reliable sources and verify facts more efficiently. However, while AI can generate content automatically, journalists still bear the responsibility of checking, analysing, and verifying the accuracy of AI-generated material, she explained. Diverse views on AI’s role in journalism The integration of AI into journalism has sparked debate, with some professionals embracing its benefits while others remain sceptical. A writer on Quora argued that AI would not replace experienced journalists but would instead aid them by making reporting more efficient. “It will provide them with more information in less time and with less effort. It may replace some lower-level journalists who traditionally handle grunt work, but it will not replace skilled and experienced journalists,” the writer stated. Retired official at Royal Dutch Shell, Gerry Tandberg, expressed concerns over the ethical implications of AI-generated content. He warned that relying on AI for journalism could lead to issues of plagiarism and authenticity. “Depending on who wrote the AI program, it will likely determine what the output is. In either case, it’s not entirely your work, therefore not ethical and bordering on plagiarism,” Tandberg said. Meanwhile, proofreader and editor Mary-Ellen Candage dismissed the value of AI in journalism entirely, arguing that true writing skills cannot be replicated by technology. “If you fancy yourself a ‘writer,’ do your own writing,” she stated. “AI won’t ever make you more attractive as a writer in any valid market—everyone knows you’re a fake.” In contrast, Sales Director David Paul acknowledged the usefulness of AI for content generation, recommending tools like Jasper AI and Rytr Me for their ability to adapt to an individual’s writing style. “If you’re looking for a reliable AI-powered content generation tool, then Jasper AI or Rytr Me would be good choices,” Paul said. Future of AI in journalism As AI technology continues to evolve, its role in journalism will likely expand. Many news organisations are already leveraging AI for tasks such as generating financial reports, summarising news articles, and analysing social media trends. While AI can improve efficiency, its adoption in journalism also raises questions about ethical considerations, source credibility, and the potential for AI-generated misinformation. Experts agree that while AI tools can support journalists, human oversight remains critical to maintaining journalistic integrity. Ehiobu reinforced this point, stating that AI should be viewed as a complementary tool that enhances productivity rather than replaces human journalists. “These tools enable journalists, editors, and reporters to be more productive and efficient while still ensuring accuracy and credibility,” she said. Ultimately, the effectiveness of AI in journalism depends on how it is used. While some see it as a game-changer that revolutionises reporting, others caution against over-reliance on automation. As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: AI is here to stay, but the role of human journalists remains irreplaceable.

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Futbol

A new era in English football starts on Friday. German Thomas Tuchel will become the third non-British permanent manager to lead the England side after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello. Under Gareth Southgate, the Three Lions reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and lost in the 2021 and 2024 Euros finals. For the 51-year-old Tuchel, who has an 18-month contract, his job brief is clear, but hugely difficult – to qualify for and then win the 2026 World Cup. He will be looking to make a lightning start as England have two home qualifiers first up – Albania at Wembley before entertaining Latvia on Monday. But what can they expect from Tuchel, who guided Chelsea to the Champions League title in 2021, and who has also managed Borussia Dortmund, Paris St-Germain and Bayern Munich? BBC Sport has spoken to those who know Tuchel well to find out more. Tuchel, who stands at 6ft 4in, was a defender during his playing days. He began at second-tier German side Stuttgarter Kickers, before three years at third division team SSV Ulm until a serious knee injury ended his playing career in 1998, when he was 25. His boss at Ulm was Ralf Rangnick, who went on to manage Schalke, RB Leipzig, Manchester United and is now Austria's head coach. "He was always interested in why we were doing certain things," said Rangnick. "After a couple of weeks, you can tell what player could become a coach - he was always asking questions." In 2000, a successful coaching career seemed a long way off for Tuchel, who was pulling pints and collecting glasses. "When I became head coach of Stuttgart, I found out he was working in a bar to earn a living, I could hardly believe it," added Rangnick. "I called him and said, 'Why don't you come to us and work as a youth team coach?' That's how his coaching career started. "It was clear he shouldn't be working in a bar and would much rather be on a pitch with a team." Tuchel worked with Stuttgart Under-15s and a few years later would guide their under-19s to their league title. His first managerial role came in 2007 at FC Augsburg II and two years later he was in charge of Bundesliga outfit Mainz, who had Jurgen Klopp among their former bosses. Rangnick was not surprised Tuchel would manage at the top level and added: "Thomas is a very bright, intelligent person. He studied sports in Stuttgart. It was obvious he had quite a few assets of what you need as a manager." Tuchel would also learn from, and emulate, those around him. In five years at Mainz, he qualified for Europe twice, guiding them to fifth in 2010-11, their best ever Bundesliga position. "Tuchel is someone who has been influenced by a lot of managers and coaches – it's clear he has a constant desire to learn, to be open-minded and curious," said former Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger. "Ralf Rangnick is one of the coaches who has influenced him - what are you doing when you don't have the ball, how do you win it back, then how do you create chances and score goals? "Tuchel took elements of that, but another element is focused on what you do with the ball too. "With that aspect, Tuchel is very close to Pep Guardiola in terms of the way he thinks about football and how to create chances from your own possession. "Pep was more of a coach he looked up to, in the time they spent together in the Bundesliga [when Guardiola was in charge of Bayern Munich] there was a bond, a relationship forged. They are still friends and they talk regularly." In 2015, Tuchel began his next challenge, replacing Liverpool-bound Klopp as boss of Borussia Dortmund. During Klopp's seven years at Dortmund, he had won the Bundesliga twice and reached the Champions League final, and Tuchel had to win over his new players, with not all of them keen. "I honestly didn't expect much when it was announced he was going to be the new manager. I was even in talks maybe to leave the club," recalled former Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan. "I had one phone call with him and he presented himself to me when I was on holiday in the summer break, and it was actually a really good call. "He tried to explain a few things, how he wanted us to play, how he wanted us to train and everything he said he proved during that season." Gundogan joined Manchester City after Dortmund finished second in the Bundesliga at the end of that 2015-16 campaign, while Tuchel claimed the first major trophy of his career, beating Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 in the final of the German Cup in May 2017, in what proved to be his last match at the club. Former Germany international Gundogan, though, was completely won over by Tuchel in their sole season together. "I can only say positive things about him from when we were at Dortmund," he added. "He's outstanding tactically and extremely honest and open. Personally, I got along very well with him." Hitzlsperger felt Tuchel's man-management skills would be key to success with England and added: "The players Tuchel has worked with in the past are very positive about him, and the way he communicates his ideas to them. "I don't think the fact he is German will make any difference. Most of the England players work under foreign managers, or have done. He's a top manager so they will be open to his ideas and used to most of them, so it should be a smooth transition." Rangnick added: "He's somebody who loves to improve people. As a head coach, you need to be analytic and intelligent. He is curious, funny with a good sense of humour. A very specific humour and, if you know the humour, he can be funny." Apart from his almost five-year spell at Mainz, all of Tuchel's jobs have followed a similar pattern – successful, but not in the same role for long. After Dortmund, he won Ligue 1 twice and took Paris St-Germain to the Champions League final in a two-and-a-half-year spell. Chelsea came next, getting the job in January 2021 and winning the Champions League just four months later, beating Guardiola and Gundogan's Manchester City side 1-0 in the final. However, despite also winning the Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup, he was sacked in September 2022. Before England, Bayern Munich was his last managerial job in March 2023, and he instantly won the Bundesliga title within a few months, but was gone at the end of the next campaign - a season that ended without any silverware despite the goals of England captain Harry Kane. "Thomas is not an easy person, or easy to deal with, but all good coaches are complicated," said Christian Heidel, Mainz's long-time executive and sporting director, in 2021. "Complicated means they are also tough. They make demands of those around them, their players from morning to night and for that reason, they are incredible coaches." Former Augsburg youth coach Heiner Schuhmann described Tuchel as "an outstanding, passionate player on the pitch, who gave his all", but felt "he was so exacting and demanding, which didn't go down well with some of the players". Hitzlsperger also felt Tuchel could "rub people up the wrong way" in his dealings with club officials and would have to try to avoid that happening with the English Football Association. "It's important Tuchel maintains a good relationship with the FA, the people who have brought him in, and he has to handle the media and public," said the former Aston Villa and Stuttgart midfielder. "The same thing must not happen that happened in Bayern and Dortmund, where he fell out with his bosses. I am optimistic there won't be too many disagreements, because at his previous clubs it was often about transfers, which as a national team manager is not an issue. "With the media and the fans, it's different. The advantage he has is he has worked in this country before with Chelsea, so knows what English fans are like." Tuchel started the England job on 1 January and has been regularly spotted at Premier League matches. He has already shown he will do the job his way, handing a surprise recall to 34-year-old Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson, as well as first international call-ups for 32-year-old Newcastle defender Dan Burn and 18-year-old Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly. Former England captain Alan Shearer felt Tuchel would want to get the best out of the team immediately and said: "We've been down the route so many times of an English manager having this hope, this belief in three or four years' time we might be this. "This manager has been brought in for now, for the next 18 months, to win the World Cup. That's his job. If he doesn't win the World Cup he won't be here." Hitzlsperger felt Tuchel could succeed and his nationality would soon be ignored if England were winning matches. "His experience in club management will help him with England," he added. "He had to deal with some of the biggest names in world football at PSG for example, and was expected to win everything in France and in European competition. "Hopefully the players want to play for their country because they think this is fun, they play good football and enjoy the way they play. "He will get people excited and out of their seats, thinking 'this is great football, this is what we wanted to see'." The 2026 World Cup will be held in Canada, the United States and Mexico and Tuchel will be aiming to become only the second manager to guide England to World Cup glory after Sir Alf Ramsey in 1966. "I would never say, 'he is going to win the World Cup', but he has got one of the best squads in the world, along with Spain, France, Argentina, and Brazil," said Hitzlsperger. "Tuchel is probably hoping to play Germany at some stage. Can you imagine? Putting one over Germany in a World Cup – that would be very sweet for him and it probably wouldn't get any bigger. "If he were to put one over them it would be one of the biggest achievements, just after winning the World Cup, and beating Germany on the way would be fantastic for him."