EGOwnership & classification
Founded: 2013
Ownership
Mada Masr is an independent Egyptian online news outlet founded in June 2013 by former journalists of the shuttered Egypt Independent. It was co-founded and is led by editor-in-chief Lina Attalah and a small group of journalists; it is not owned by any state body, party or large corporate proprietor, but run by its founding journalist team.
Funding
Largely donor- and grant-funded: roughly 80% of its budget comes from foundations and philanthropy, with the remaining ~20% from advertising, merchandise, a paid English-language newsletter/subscription and a reader membership program built to protect editorial independence.
Affiliation & stance
Independently owned by its journalists and financed mainly by international foundations rather than the Egyptian state, a party or an oligarch, which is why it is INDEPENDENT. It is one of Egypt's few remaining critical outlets, has faced website blocking and staff arrests, and its reporting is editorially adversarial toward the government.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 45
71/100
Factual
66/100
Objective
47
Articles
47
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Idris appointment freeze worries Juba signatories, drones hit Damazin and North Kordofan prepares for decisive battles, violence erupts in Abyei, Sudan returns to IGAD, but is all rosy?
Sudan has returned to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) after nearly two years of strained relations, aiming to resume normal diplomatic engagement. However, the country remains deeply divided and at war, complicating IGAD's efforts to engage Sudan within a regional framework while respecting Khartoum's demands for sovereignty. The Sudanese delegation emphasized internal political dialogue, rejecting external imposition of solutions, which has raised concerns among the Juba Agreement signatories, particularly regarding potential changes to power-sharing arrangements. A recent decree by Prime Minister Kamel Idris freezing executive branch appointments has intensified these fears. Meanwhile, military operations in North Kordofan have advanced significantly, and violent tribal clashes erupted in Abyei, while civilian casualties occurred due to RSF drone strikes in Damazin.
Sheikh Zuwayed parents detained after protesting for right to education as school reconstruction stalls in North Sinai
Parents in Nakhlat, North Sinai, were arrested for organizing a protest demanding the reopening of their destroyed local school and sharing footage of the demonstration online. The arrests followed a police report filed by the Sheikh Zuwayed education administration against a resident who posted the video. The school was damaged during military operations in the region, and families now face significant challenges accessing education, including unsafe roads, lack of transportation, and high costs for private接送 services. Parents warn that children may drop out if these issues are not resolved, and they threatened to stop sending their children to the nearest available school until their demands are addressed.
Farming permit gridlock at Lake Nasser reignites demands for Nubian right of return
A group of young men from the Nubian village of Daboud attempted to obtain farming permits along Lake Nasser but faced repeated rejections despite other farmers operating in the area. After being denied access to officials and witnessing others receiving permits, they organized a video campaign calling for a mass mobilization conference. This led to increased engagement from officials and lawmakers, but also threats to delay or cancel the event. The organizers refused to postpone, emphasizing their commitment to the Nubian community. The situation highlights ongoing struggles of Nubian communities displaced since the 19th century, with recent efforts to address historical grievances related to land rights and compensation.
Clashes flare around Warraq with tensions high as island residents campaign for housing guarantees
Residents of Warraq Island, located on the Nile, have engaged in frequent clashes with security forces over the past nine years, primarily centered around the Qolaly ferry crossing. These conflicts stem from disputes over the government's development plans, which residents claim encroach on their land and homes. Recent tensions escalated with the installation of metal mesh barriers by security forces at the ferry crossing, reportedly to protect personnel after stones were thrown during previous clashes. Several residents were injured, including a man with a fractured skull. Protests against the security response led to additional confrontations near a bridge. Residents have organized under the 'Staying on Warraq' group to demand guarantees about their future on the island, citing concerns over government-led development projects that allegedly target their land.
33 Sudanese arrested from Giza public garden face deportation as worsening economic conditions throw many into housing instability
In Egypt, 33 Sudanese men were arrested in Giza’s 6th of October City for residing in a public park without proper documentation, leading to deportation proceedings. This follows widespread layoffs among Sudanese workers in Cairo due to deteriorating economic conditions in Sudan, particularly the devaluation of the Sudanese pound. Many of these workers had been employed by Sudanese-owned businesses in Egypt, which have faced financial strain due to reduced revenue and increased operational costs. With job losses and housing instability, some workers resorted to staying in public spaces, prompting security interventions. Those arrested lacked valid residency permits, and the Sudanese Embassy confirmed they are undergoing deportation processes.
How agricultural reclamation village Al-Ray bel-Rash became beset by weapons, drugs and the informal gold trade
In September 2025, a violent clash occurred in Al-Ray bel-Rash, an agricultural village in northern Aswan, Egypt. Security forces conducted a raid targeting Abdallah al-Hugairy, accused of multiple crimes including armed theft and murder. The confrontation lasted over two hours, resulting in injuries to two police officers. Despite the operation, Hugairy escaped, and security forces later killed a suspected drug dealer. The incident highlights ongoing issues of crime and instability in the village, which has become known for illegal activities such as drug trafficking and weapon smuggling. The village, originally established in 1968 as part of a state agricultural reclamation project, has faced economic hardship since the 1990s, leading to the proliferation of informal and illicit trades.
Sudan Nashra: US push to expand arms embargo to all of Sudan at UNSC postponed at last minute | Amid unprecedented arms build-up at RSF base in Ethiopia, Burhan, Isaias probe elusive mutual guarantees | Tasis’s unified general command to be led by Abdel Rahim Dagalo, sources say | Quintet meets domestic dialogue’s preparatory committee on Khartoum visit, source says
The U.S. has postponed a planned vote at the United Nations Security Council to expand an arms embargo to cover all of Sudan, after intense lobbying efforts failed to secure sufficient support. The proposed resolution would restrict weapons supplied to all warring parties, including the Sudanese military, and includes drones and related technology. The U.S. aims to roll over the current Darfur-specific embargo for one month and refine its proposal ahead of potential negotiations later in September. Meanwhile, there is growing concern over an arms buildup at the Ethiopian Asosa base, which hosts the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), raising fears of a broader regional conflict involving Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Sudan. Sudanese leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan visited Eritrea to discuss preventing the Sudanese conflict from spilling into Eritrean territory, though neither country has yet committed to concrete measures. Within Sudan, the RSF is seeking to strengthen its political influence through institutionalization.
Beyond useless guilt and insatiable victimhood In search of a new language around privilege
The article discusses the need for a new discourse surrounding privilege, moving beyond feelings of guilt and perpetual victimhood. It critiques the current narrative that focuses excessively on individual responsibility and guilt, arguing that this approach is unproductive and fails to address systemic issues. The piece calls for a more constructive conversation that acknowledges privilege while promoting collective action and understanding. It emphasizes the importance of redefining how privilege is discussed in society to foster meaningful change rather than reinforcing cycles of blame and defensiveness.
Beyond useless guilt and insatiable victimhood
The author recounts their experience attending a performance by queer artists in Amsterdam, where participants were asked to leave if they did not belong to 'marginalized identities.' The author, identifying as a woman of color, reflects on feeling included in the discussion despite not previously defining themselves by that label. The piece explores the tension between personal experience and the dominant framework of identity politics, which often positions individuals strictly as victims or perpetrators based on identity markers like race, gender, and sexuality. The author critiques the idea that victimhood grants moral authority and suggests that this dynamic has been amplified by contemporary cultural trends emphasizing vulnerability and trauma in public discourse.
Sudan Nashra: Hemedti in Addis Ababa | Buildup at Ethiopian base fuels concerns over RSF corridor toward Blue Nile capital, military sends massive reinforcements | RSF fortifies West Darfur capital with berms, reinforces troops | RSF commander in North Kordofan defects, arrives in capital with 200 fighters
Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander Mohamed Hamdan 'Hemedti' Dagalo recently visited Addis Ababa, raising concerns about potential coordination between the RSF and Ethiopia. Meanwhile, the RSF is strengthening its presence in West Darfur, building defenses around the capital Geneina, and advancing toward the Blue Nile capital, Damazin. The Sudanese military has lost control of key border towns like Geisan and Kurmuk and is reinforcing its positions in response. There is also growing concern about a buildup of Ethiopian military forces near the border, which could support RSF operations. Additionally, an RSF commander in North Kordofan has defected, bringing 200 fighters to the capital.
Sudan Nashra: Hemedti in Addis Ababa | Buildup at Ethiopian base fuels concerns over RSF corridor toward Blue Nile capital, military sends massive reinforcements | RSF fortifies West Darfur capital with berms, reinforces troops | RSF commander in North Ko
The article reports on military developments in Sudan, focusing on the presence of RSF (Revolutionary Security Forces) commander Mohamed Hegli (Hemedti) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It highlights growing concerns about the establishment of an RSF corridor towards the Blue Nile state capital, fueled by troop movements and fortifications in West Darfur. The Sudanese military is sending significant reinforcements to counter these developments, while the RSF is strengthening its position in the region by building defensive structures and reinforcing its forces.
What’s behind the US sanctions on Banque Misr UAE?
The article discusses the U.S. sanctions imposed on the UAE branches of Banque Misr, an Egyptian state-owned bank. These sanctions are part of a broader U.S. strategy to economically pressure Iran by targeting financial institutions that support its activities. The U.S. Treasury described Banque Misr UAE as a 'critical node' for Iran's access to U.S. dollars, citing transactions totaling $1.8 billion between 2024 and 2026 with suspected Iranian entities. The move has surprised Egyptian officials, who view it as unexpected despite potential justifications. The sanctions follow a pattern of U.S. efforts to disrupt Iran's financial networks through secondary sanctions, targeting both direct and indirect supporters.
Israeli military abducts Gaza City Interior Ministry official in raid
The Israeli military conducted a raid in Gaza City, resulting in the abduction of Muain al-Arabid, an official from the Palestinian Interior Ministry. The raid occurred in the Katiba area, where Israeli special forces reportedly clashed with local forces, leading to the death of Arabid's wife and injuries to his children. Palestinian media reported that four people were killed in the incident, including two children. The Israeli government claims that Arabid is a senior Hamas figure involved in restoring Hamas' control over northern Gaza, but Hamas officials deny this, stating that Arabid was part of Gaza's governmental security apparatus. Eyewitnesses described the Israeli forces arriving in civilian vehicles, conducting airstrikes, and using a white truck to enter the area. Hamas-affiliated outlets claimed that resistance forces inflicted casualties on Israeli troops and captured some of their equipment. The Israeli military denied any injuries to its personnel.