The Specialists in Telling the Stories of Sudan and South Sudan
The Sudanist is a non-profit, independent online cultural news and media platform dedicated to telling the stories of Sudan and South Sudan. Formerly known as 500 Words Magazine (500WM), it offers a nuanced window into both countries, exploring life, identity, and culture across the two Sudans.
From 500WM to The Sudanist
The Sudanist is a space where two countries, once one, meet. The name Sudan belongs to both Sudan and South Sudan, regardless of recent history, political divisions, or imposed borders. The platform embraces this shared heritage while recognising the distinct identities and lived realities of each nation.
The platform was originally founded as 500WM on 1 June 2012 by Moez Ali and Mohamed Mahmoud. On 1 October 2018, it was relaunched under new leadership by founder Ola Diab, marking a new chapter in its evolution.
From 500WM to The Sudanist, the mission has remained consistent: to amplify stories that reflect the richness and diversity of life in Sudan and South Sudan. The Sudanist covers a wide range of topics, including culture and tradition, society, education, healthcare, technology, the environment, business and entrepreneurship, as well as art, food, fashion, beauty, and more — centred on authentic voices and lived experiences.
Want to join the team or write for us?
We’re looking for well-rounded, creative, and talented writers and bloggers to cover anything and everything about Sudan and South Sudan. Our aim is to give aspiring writers the chance to get published and reach a wider audience, while also welcoming contributions from experienced voices. Whether you’re Sudanese or not, if you have something to share about Sudan and South Sudan — through words, photos, or videos — we’d love to hear from you. Let’s celebrate Sudan and South Sudan together through storytelling and more!
