The NDA, a broad coalition of secular and religious groups from both northern and southern Sudan, enjoys support from Ethiopia, Uganda, and, most importantly, Eritrea, where it is headquartered. The rebels also receive American assistance. The once vigorous print media have been steadily tamed by the closure of publications and harassment of journalists creating increasing self-censorship. A 1996 press law further eroded media freedom. The regime has tightened controls on international and domestic communication by confiscating fax and telex machines, typewriters, and copiers.
Broadcast media are entirely state-controlled.
Some newspapers still test the limits of regime tolerance. Editions of two newspapers criticizing the new constitution were seized in July. Women face extensive societal discrimination and unequal treatment as stipulated under Shari a law. Despite its legal prohibition, female genital mutilation is routine, although UN and government programs are campaigning against it. Rape is reportedly routine in war zones.