Sudanese Journalists Caught in Crossfire as War Deepens: Media Blackout and Safety Threats
Journalists in Sudan are facing significant challenges as the war in the country intensifies, leading to media blackout and safety threats. With limited access to war-torn areas and the closure of several media houses, the conflict remains largely underreported. As the war enters its fourth month, journalists have become collateral in the ongoing violence.
In a joint statement titled Sudanese Media: Four Months of Violations, signed by editors and managers of leading media outlets, media activists highlight the grave risks faced by Sudanese journalists. They describe the situation as journalists being caught between two opposing factions: the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, and the government’s Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) commanded by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
Throughout these four months, journalists in Sudan have been subjected to threats to their safety and freedom. Accusations of bias, loyalty, and allegiance to warring parties have resulted in arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and even deaths. This dangerous environment particularly affects female journalists, exacerbating gender disparities prevalent within Sudanese society.
Consequently, many journalists have been forced to leave Sudan due to safety concerns. This exodus, combined with direct targeting and abandonment of media organizations, has resulted in a media blackout in conflict zones. Journalists are unable to freely move and report on the situation, especially in the capital city of Khartoum, which is at the heart of the conflict. Restrictions on navigating battle areas hinder their ability to provide accurate news coverage.
The absence of protective measures and the neglect of international conventions concerning press freedom and the safety of journalists during armed conflicts complicate the already challenging situation. These conventions, which Sudan has ratified, should be upheld to ensure the safety and freedom of journalists.
Media organizations across Khartoum and other cities have been entirely abandoned as most parts of war-torn areas lie in ruins. Some of these organizations’ buildings have been turned into command centers for the warring parties. Notably, the Rapid Support Forces have taken over Sudan Radio and Television Corporation premises and studios, as well as the buildings of the Broadcasting Technical Regulatory Body in Omdurman.
In light of these circumstances, journalists in Sudan are calling for an immediate end to hostilities and the establishment of humanitarian corridors. They emphasize the need for facilitating the access of the press and journalists to report accurate facts and truths to both the Sudanese populace and the global community.
Sudan’s ranking in the 2022 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) stands at 151 out of 180 nations, indicating a pressing need for improvement in press freedom and safety for journalists.
As the war in Sudan continues to escalate, it is crucial for the international community to pay attention to the challenges faced by journalists. Their safety, press freedom, and access to accurate information must be ensured to shed light on the situation and contribute to a peaceful resolution.
