Media: The Interim National Constitution ensures freedom of thought, expression and the press, but in reality these rights are not upheld. In general, media censorship has been considered to be weaker than in many Arab states (EIU). However, press censorship was re-implemented in 2008, sometimes resulting in censors cutting so much material out that the papers could not be published. In practice, the government controls radio and television, which are required to reflect government policies in their broadcasting. According to a 2009 article by Columbia Journalism Review, media freedom in Southern Sudan is controlled by the officials from the north. All outlets are registered with the National Press Council in Khartoum, which also holds a mandatory national exam for reporters. News and opinions supporting the International Criminal Court are quashed. Journalists that write about public sector and government corruption are often harassed and even jailed. The Arabic daily Alternative View was closed down in 2002 when it accused a government official of embezzling USD millions meant for providing services in Khartoum State. In 2003, the privately owned Arabic daily Nation was closed down and its editor detained when it reported on the corrupt practices surrounding Vice President Ali Osman Mohamed Taha. The editor of Southern Sudan's The Citizen was arrested in October 2008 for publishing an article critical of corruption in the semi-autonomous region, according to AFP news agency. Reporters Without Borders 2010 ranks Sudan 172nd out of 178 countries, while Freedom House 2010 ranks the country 165th out of 196 countries and describes its media environment as 'not free'.

Civil Society: In Sudan civil society groups do not have much room to operate. The government is distrustful of civil society groups as it fears that they might give rise to a stronger opposition. Nevertheless, according to the Bertelsmann Foundation 2010, civil society groups have grown and enjoy a greater freedom of association. Since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, the government has alleviated restrictions, and a number of new CSOs have emerged. The National Congress Party (NCP) tries to stop particular CSOs such as human rights groups from gaining influence, or from becoming potential threats to its dominance, while at the same time the NCP introduces Islamist associations in the attempt to create an Islamic civil society. According to Freedom House 2010, conditions for NGOs have deteriorated in 2009 due to government hostility towards groups that criticise its policies.