Journalists Drawn into Sudan’s Conflict Face Growing Safety Concerns

Journalists Drawn into Sudan’s Conflict Face Growing Safety Concerns

The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate has warned of growing risks facing media professionals as attempts are made to draw them into the country’s ongoing conflict, stressing that political and military labeling and accusations have become a threat to their safety and have placed them at risk of targeting and retaliation.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 21, the syndicate said that Sudan’s exceptional circumstances, coupled with political polarization and deep social divisions, have led to the use of labeling and stigmatization as tools to fuel the conflict and settle scores. It warned of the consequences this could have for journalists’ professional and personal safety.
The syndicate stressed that journalists are not parties to the conflict and that targeting or labeling them on the basis of political or military positions constitutes an assault on freedom of the press, opinion, and expression, as well as a violation of international conventions and norms.
It praised the role of male and female journalists in Al Jazirah State and the efforts they have made throughout the conflict to report events and citizens’ concerns despite difficult economic and security conditions and the absence of even the most basic means of protection.
According to the syndicate, the ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of 34 journalists. During the current month of August, several journalists were also arrested in the River Nile and Al Jazirah states, with some reportedly taken to unknown locations. The syndicate described these practices as violations of fundamental rights, freedoms, and press freedom.
The syndicate had previously expressed concern over arrest warrants issued against a number of journalists and media professionals in connection with cases under consideration by the authorities. It also noted the continued detention of three female journalists by the Rapid Support Forces in the city of Nyala, South Darfur State, since last February.
These developments come amid the continuing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, which has caused significant loss of life, widespread displacement, and a severe humanitarian crisis. Calls are growing for journalists to be protected and enabled to carry out their professional duties free from targeting and political polarization.