Sudanese journalists, activists face growing repression by warring parties
September 23, 2023 (KHARTOUM/PORT SUDAN) – On Saturday, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) apprehended a journalist from his residence east of Khartoum while the Sudanese army’s military intelligence in Port Sudan detained the spokesperson for the Teachers’ Committee.
The arrest of the correspondent for Egypt’s Al-Ghad satellite channel occurred shortly after his live appearance on the channel, where he provided a briefing on the ground developments in Khartoum.
Since the commencement of the conflict on April 15, freedom of the press and expression has significantly deteriorated. Both sides of the armed conflict have curtailed journalists’ ability to practice their profession freely, resulting in the arrest and harassment of numerous journalists in Khartoum.
The Sudanese Journalists Network issued a statement condemning the RSF’s actions, stating that “A Rapid Support force took journalist Mohamed Ibrahim Al-Haj, a correspondent for Al-Ghad Channel, to an unknown location after storming his house in Al-Jarif West and several neighbouring residences.”
The network denounced the RSF’s “repeated and deplorable behaviour,” noting that the RSF has consistently engaged in the forced disappearance of journalists and citizens.
The statement by the Journalists Network revealed that the force responsible for detaining the Al-Ghad correspondent had also assaulted and arrested several neighbourhood residents while looting their homes, causing fear and panic in the community.
The conflict has led to the suspension of most media institutions, as RSF has converted their offices into military facilities, while some are located in areas of confrontation between the opposing parties. Currently, Sudanese citizens rely on foreign channels to stay informed about the latest developments in the country.
Furthermore, Emergency Lawyers condemned the arrest of Sami al-Baqir, a union leader and member of the executive office of the Sudanese Teachers’ Committee, by a military intelligence unit on Friday evening.
The group emphasized that these arrests carried out by the army reflect a return to a period of stifling voices and curtailing freedoms.
Abdel Hamid Mahmoud Talib, the head of the Sudanese Teachers Committee in Red Sea State, disclosed to Sudan Tribune that Military Intelligence is detaining Sami al-Baqir along with two other committee members. He revealed they have information about the detainees being referred for questioning on the upcoming Sunday.
The Teachers’ Committee played a significant role in founding the Sudanese Professionals Association, which spearheaded protests against the regime of former President Omar al-Bashir and has recently been actively advocating for teachers’ rights and supporting the anti-war efforts.
Over the past months, the committee has led extensive protests and prolonged work strikes to pressure the ruling authorities to increase teachers’ salaries.
(ST)