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.
Sudan s people are mostly agriculturists. Trade, investment, and development have been severely limited by the civil war. Oil fields in the country s southwest could provide sizable revenues, but their exploitation will be difficult as long as the war continues. Rebels have warned foreign oil workers that they are subject to attack as the government seeks to complete a new 1,000-mile oil pipeline that would bring revenue crucially needed to prosecute the war.