RSF investigates detained Sudanese journalist for defamation

November 3, 2025 (NYALA) – The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) said on Monday it is investigating a detained journalist, Moamar Ibrahim, on charges related to “defamation” over his coverage of events in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur.

The forces arrested Ibrahim, a freelance correspondent for Al Jazeera Mubasher, in El Fasher on the evening of Oct. 26.

A video clip broadcast by the RSF showed the moment of Ibrahim’s arrest as he was trying to leave El Fasher, hours after the forces announced their full control over the city.

RSF spokesman Al-Fatih Qurashi, appearing alongside Ibrahim in a video published on the paramilitary group’s platforms, said, “The investigations with journalist Ibrahim showed that he was not impartial in his media work, and he described the Rapid Support Forces as militia and Janjaweed, a description that only enemies use for us.”

Qurashi said Ibrahim was taken into custody after his arrest, is in good health, and receiving good treatment.

Qurashi added that Ibrahim admitted during the investigation to a previous bias towards the Sudanese army, confirming that their forces allowed him to contact his family and that a decision on his release is linked to high command approval after legal procedures are completed.

For his part, Ibrahim said he had not been subjected to any abuse or ill-treatment, adding that he was transferred to Nyala days after his arrest.

He explained that he had previously published posts on his personal social media page describing the RSF as a militia and Janjaweed, noting that this was a personal opinion and not part of his professional coverage.

Ibrahim expressed his hope that the procedures would be completed soon and that he would be released, reassuring his colleagues that he was fine and had not been subjected to any harm.

The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, the Sudan Media Forum, and the Committee to Protect Journalists had previously expressed deep concern over Ibrahim’s arrest, holding the RSF fully responsible for his safety and demanding his immediate and unconditional release.