Comics on conflict

In the current climate of conflict, disinformation, and limited access to credible information in Sudan, it is a challenge for people inside and outside the country to access information and get perspectives on the situation.

Enter Khalid Albaih with Khartoonmag.com – a news source infused with satire and creative expression, which launched in February 2024 with support from IMS.

Khalid Albaih is a well-known Sudanese cartoonist, artist and political commentator whose work has been published in international media like the Financial Times and Al Jazeera.

“With Khartoon Magazine, our aspirations extend beyond providing insightful political cartoons and non-fiction comics. Given the current state of civil unrest and conflict in Sudan, where many media institutions are out of service and political cartoonists are displaced, our website serves as a beacon of hope and resilience,” says Khalid Albaih.

Khartoon Magazine seek to amplify the voices of Sudanese cartoonists and journalists who have been displaced or marginalized due to the ongoing civil war. The site also aims to fill the void left by traditional media outlets by offering a platform for expression and dissent.

“Our ultimate goal is to contribute to the preservation of freedom of expression, promote dialogue, and foster solidarity among Sudanese people, both within the country and in the diaspora,” Khalid Albaih says.

For him non-fiction cartoons play a vital role in providing alternative perspectives and challenging dominant narratives, especially in the current climate of political turmoil.

“With traditional media institutions either shuttered or censored, political cartoonists have become essential conduits of truth and dissent. Displaced from their homes and facing threats to their safety, Sudanese cartoonists continue to use their art to speak truth to power and highlight the injustices faced by their communities. Through their poignant and incisive cartoons, they navigate the complexities of the conflict, shedding light on human rights abuses, corruption, and the plight of the marginalised. In this context, non-fiction cartoons serve as a powerful form of resistance, resilience, and solidarity, offering a glimpse into the lived experiences of Sudanese people amidst the turmoil of civil war,” Khalid Albaih states.

Going forward, Khalid Albaih envision Khartoon Magazine evolving into a comprehensive multimedia platform, encompassing animated shorts, podcasts, and eventually, a print magazine. I aspire to establish Khartoon Magazine as a leading voice in Sudanese media, known for its integrity, innovation, and commitment to amplifying the voices of the marginalized and displaced.

“Through our collective efforts, we hope to contribute to the preservation of freedom of expression, promote dialogue, and foster solidarity among Sudanese people, both within the country and in the diaspora,” he hopes.

For Andreas Sugar, head of Rapid Response at IMS, the reasons for engaging with Khartoon magazine is manyfold; As well as create employment opportunities and a platform for both displaced journalists and artists, the aim is also to strengthen community bonds through storytelling, cultural dialogue and engagement.

In 2022 IMS supported Albaih’s initiative to organise a cartoon competition among Sudanese cartoonists.