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The Black Box of an Arab Intelligence Officer | Atheer

Entered in News & Politics Podcast

Objective

The episode aims to uncover the untold stories and hidden intricacies of Sudanese intelligence operations, as narrated by Elfatih Erwa, a former Sudanese intelligence officer and national security advisor. By delving into high-stakes geopolitical events—such as Osama bin Laden’s presence in Sudan, the assassination of Muammar Gaddafi, and Sudan’s role in regional conflicts—the episode seeks to:

* Educate listeners on Sudan’s pivotal yet often overlooked role in global and regional politics.

* Demystify intelligence operations by providing firsthand accounts from a key insider.

*Spark dialogue on controversial topics, such as Sudan’s alleged involvement in the Falasha Jewish exodus and its relations with Hamas and Fatah.

Strategy

1. In-Depth Interview Format: The episode features a long-form, immersive conversation with Elfatih Erwa, allowing him to share detailed, behind-the-scenes insights into Sudan’s intelligence activities. This approach creates a sense of authenticity and depth, drawing listeners into the narrative.

2. Focus on High-Impact Stories: By addressing headline-grabbing topics—such as the assassination attempt on Hosni Mubarak and Sudan’s role in Ethiopia’s political shifts—the episode ensures broad appeal while maintaining a strong educational focus.

3. Multimedia Promotion: The episode was supported by a robust promotional campaign across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter), and YouTube, leveraging short clips, teasers, carousels and engaging visuals to attract a wide audience.

4. Cultural Relevance: The episode taps into the growing interest in African and Arab geopolitical history, positioning itself as a must-listen for audiences curious about the region’s untold stories.

Results

Hikayat Afriqiyah: The Black Box of an Arab Intelligence Officer — Elfatih Erwa exemplifies how the show combines compelling storytelling, strategic promotion, and cultural relevance to create impactful content. By shedding light on Sudan’s intelligence history through a captivating interview, the episode not only educated its audience but also sparked widespread engagement and discussion, cementing its place as a standout piece of digital storytelling.

The episode and its promotional content (110 posts) achieved remarkable success across multiple metrics, solidifying its impact and reach:

Episode Metrics:
* 1.9M Views and Downloads: The episode garnered over 1.9 million views and downloads on YouTube and audio platforms, reflecting its widespread appeal and engagement.
* 62K Engagements: the episode sparked 62,000 interactions, including likes, comments, and shares on YouTube, demonstrating its ability to resonate deeply with audiences.

Promotional Content Metrics:
10M video views across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube.
2.3M engagements across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube, highlighting its effectiveness in driving audience interaction.
18.6M reached users on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, significantly amplifying the episode’s visibility.

Media

Entrant Company / Organization Name

Al Jazeera Digital

Links

Entry Credits