Journalists in Sudan Defy Danger to Document Ongoing War
As war ravages Sudan, journalists brave extraordinary risks to report on atrocities, particularly in Darfur. Despite dangers including detainment and violence, these reporters persist in their work, striving to bring international attention to human rights abuses amidst severe communication barriers. Their commitment underscores the vital role of journalism in illuminating the truth under dire circumstances, despite a lack of support from media organizations.
In the rugged landscapes of Sudan, where communication channels are effectively non-existent, some brave journalists strive to shed light on the grim realities of a country in turmoil. Amid an ongoing war that has stretched into its third year, these reporters risk their lives to share stories of violence and suffering, while hoping for a signal from neighboring Chad to file their reports. The situation is dire; estimates suggest at least 28 journalists have lost their lives since conflict erupted in April 2023, with many more imprisoned, tortured, or displaced.
Noon, a 35-year-old freelance journalist who prefers to remain anonymous for her safety, fled West Darfur after pain-stakingly documenting ethnic massacres carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). She reported that as many as 15,000 individuals, primarily from the Massalit ethnic group, have been killed, prompting serious accusations of genocide against the RSF. Following several raids on her home, where her equipment was seized, she and her family moved to the eastern state of Gedaref, nearly 1,800 kilometers away. Yet, even from there, she found her safety compromised when the army detained her, accusing her of collaborating with RSF forces.
In North Darfur, the situation remains equally precarious. A 30-year-old photojournalist, here named Ibrahim to safeguard his identity, operates in stealth mode to bring forth the plight of those affected by famine and violence. He recalls how he was tortured by RSF fighters who suspected him of spying for the army. Now, he has sought refuge in Tawila, relying solely on his mobile phone as a tool for reporting. “No one can know what I do. If they find out, they’ll arrest me or take my phone,” he explained.
Before the war, Sudan held a poor standing in terms of press freedom, a situation that has deteriorated remarkably since fighting began. Many journalists have fled, and those who remain face extreme challenges to simply survive, not to mention the further risk of reprisal for their reporting. Youssef, a 62-year-old veteran reporter, now finds himself raising goats and growing sorghum, struggling to sustain himself.
Despite harassment, imprisonment, and constant danger, Youssef continues to report when possible. “The last salary I received was at the beginning of 2024. My newspaper moved operations to Cairo, but I still send them reports — when I can get a signal,” he said. He also recounted a disturbing experience; after being detained for three days under horrifying conditions, a fighter coldly remarked that being a journalist was “the biggest crime.”
Both Ibrahim and Youssef express disappointment over the lack of support from local and international media organizations. Nevertheless, Ibrahim presses on, converting a local coffee shop powered by a single solar panel into his makeshift newsroom. “Who else will tell the world what’s happening in Darfur if we leave?” he poignantly asked, while maneuvering to charge his phone, connected to an overloaded extension cord. “No one else will tell these stories. No one can imagine the atrocities happening here.”
In summary, Sudan’s journalists are enduring great personal risk to relay the experience of a war-torn nation to the outside world. Despite grave threats, detainment, and lack of support, they persist, motivated by a commitment to reveal the harsh realities of life in Darfur. Their dedication may be the last hope for accurate reporting, ensuring that the world does not forget the suffering endured by many in Sudan amid ongoing violence.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
