News Center — The jury of the 2026 Knight International Journalism Award praised the ability of Sudanese journalist Zainab Mohamed Saleh to convey the truth in one of the most complex humanitarian crises.

The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) announced that Sudanese journalist Zainab Mohamed Saleh has won the 2026 Knight International Journalism Award, one of the most prestigious global awards given to journalists who produce exceptional work in service of the truth and in defense of press freedom.

This recognition comes in appreciation of Zainab Mohamed Saleh's professional courage and her ability to convey the realities of the conflict in Sudan with bravery and responsibility, despite escalating security risks.

The jury explained that the selection of Zainab Saleh was due to her professional resilience and determination to conduct field coverage from the heart of one of the world's most complex humanitarian crises. She continued her journalistic work despite the threats and violations targeting media workers during the conflict in Sudan.

She managed to reach conflict zones and combat fronts, covering human stories and widespread violations against civilians. She produced reports for several international media institutions, including the BBC and the Financial Times, highlighting the suffering of Sudanese people amid the war.

The award jury considered Zainab Mohamed Saleh's work to be a high model of ethical journalism and a commitment to conveying the voices of those affected by war to the international community, affirming that her work reflects the vital role of journalists in complex and dangerous environments where truth itself is under threat.

This recognition constitutes a global acknowledgment of the role played by journalists in conflict zones and the importance of protecting media professionals who work in life-threatening conditions. It also reflects the growing international interest in following events in Sudan through independent professional coverage.