Risking Everything: Sudan’s Journalists Report on War and Atrocities

Sudanese journalists are risking their lives to report on the war, especially regarding human rights violations in Darfur, where communication is severely restricted. Since April 2023, 28 reporters have been killed amid a crackdown by combatants. While many have fled, others like Noon and Ibrahim continue to tell critical stories despite intimidation and danger, highlighting the dire need for journalism in conflict zones.

In Sudan, journalists face extreme risks to report on the ongoing conflict, climbing mountains for phone signals to share their stories. The war, now in its second year, has led to a communications blackout, particularly in Darfur, where journalists document severe human rights violations including sexual violence and ethnic massacres.

Since fighting initiated between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, at least 28 journalists have been killed, and many others faced torture, detention, or displacement. Noon, a 35-year-old freelance journalist, fled El-Geneina after reporting on RSF mass killings. Her life was threatened after receiving multiple raids, prompting her escape to Gedaref, which still provided no security.

In Gedaref, Noon was arrested while reporting, accused of working with the RSF, and forced to sign a vow to seek government approval before publishing stories. Over 400 journalists have left Sudan since the war began, marking it as one of the deadliest places for reporters. Despite this, some continue their work clandestinely, risking everything for the truth.

Ibrahim, a 30-year-old photojournalist in North Darfur, works undercover in a camp housing 180,000 survivors. He has suffered torture and confiscation of his equipment by RSF fighters. After relocating to Tawila, Ibrahim relies on his phone to report, emphasizing the critical need for journalists on the ground: “No one can know what I do.”

Before the war, Sudan was already challenging for journalists, often ranking at the bottom of global press freedom indices. Youssef, a veteran journalist, now survives by farming after his newspaper relocated to Cairo. His life changed drastically after being detained by RSF fighters and suffering torture. He believes that being a journalist is seen as “the biggest crime” in the current environment.

Both Youssef and Ibrahim express their frustration over the lack of protection offered by media organizations. Ibrahim maintains a makeshift newsroom in Tawila, underscoring the necessity of their work despite the dangers: “No one else will tell these stories. No one can imagine the atrocities happening here.”

Despite facing grave dangers, Sudanese journalists like Noon, Ibrahim, and Youssef continue to report on the humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing war. Their perseverance highlights the essential role of journalism in documenting atrocities and ensuring the world remains informed about the situation in Darfur. However, the lack of safety and support continues to jeopardize their lives and limit their capacities. These journalists embody resilience and commitment in the face of overwhelming adversity, proving their indispensable role in revealing the truth.

Original Source: www.france24.com