Sudanese Conflict Claims 32 Journalists, Syndicate Reports

Sudanese Conflict Claims 32 Journalists, Syndicate Reports
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The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023, has resulted in the deaths of 32 journalists, Xinhua reported citing a stark announcement made by the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate on Sunday.

Abdel Moneim Abu Idris, the head of the syndicate, stated that the conflict has seen over 500 violations committed against journalists, including arrests, detentions, and physical assaults. The violence continues, with the syndicate mourning the death of journalist Al-Nour Suleiman on Saturday, who was killed in an RSF drone strike targeting his home in the Al-Daraja Al-Oula neighborhood of El Fasher.

Abu Idris specifically appealed to international organizations to intervene to protect media workers and establish safe corridors for their evacuation from El Fasher. The capital of North Darfur state has been described by the United Nations as the “epicenter of suffering” following more than 500 days under RSF siege, with several journalists remaining trapped there and unable to work.

The syndicate’s report underscores the devastating impact the war has had on the country’s press freedom and media infrastructure. Hundreds of journalists have been forced to flee conflict zones. Earlier figures indicated that roughly 150 journalists have relocated from Khartoum to safer regions, while approximately 70 have sought refuge in neighboring countries. The ongoing conflict has claimed tens of thousands of civilian lives and displaced millions, creating a severe humanitarian crisis.