During the 2018–2019 protests, Sudanese state media was either silent or actively spreading regime propaganda. Internet shutdowns became a routine tactic by the government to stifle coordination. In this vacuum, Khartimaza thrived.
Unlike traditional state-owned media (such as Sudan TV or SUNA), Khartimaza positions itself as an independent voice. The platform aggregates news from local reporters, social media sources, and international outlets, repackaging them into fast, digestible updates. Its name—a portmanteau of "Khartoum" (the capital of Sudan) and "Maza" (an Arabic colloquialism implying "more" or "what else")—suggests an insatiable appetite for information. khartimaza
The hashtag #Khartimaza trended globally several times during the 2019 sit-in massacre at the military headquarters, proving that a digital-first, agile newsroom could rival the resources of global giants like Al Jazeera or BBC Arabic in speed, if not in polish. Understanding Khartimaza requires looking at its unique operational model. It is not a traditional newsroom with a byline hierarchy. Instead, it functions as a hybrid of a news wire and a social listening tool . 1. Crowdsourced Journalism Khartimaza relies heavily on "citizen journalists." When the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) enter a village, residents film the convoys on their phones and send them to Khartimaza’s encrypted channels. The platform verifies metadata (time, location) before posting. 2. Aggregation The platform scans hundreds of local Facebook groups, Twitter (X) accounts, and WhatsApp forwards. It filters political commentary from factual events, though critics argue this line is sometimes blurred. 3. Language Accessibility Content is published primarily in Arabic, with key updates translated into English. This bilingual approach has widened its audience to include international NGOs, foreign ministries, and journalists who cannot operate inside Sudan due to visa restrictions or war zones. The Controversy: Accuracy and Misinformation With speed comes risk. Khartimaza has faced significant criticism regarding its verification standards. During the early days of the April 2023 war, Khartimaza reposted videos claiming to show "RSF capturing the presidential palace," which later turned out to be old footage from other conflicts. During the 2018–2019 protests, Sudanese state media was
Because advertising revenue inside Sudan has collapsed (banks are closed, the economy is shattered), Khartimaza relies on international donations via platforms like Patreon and GoFundMe, organized by Sudanese expatriates in the Gulf, Europe, and North America. Unlike traditional state-owned media (such as Sudan TV