Pro-army journalist detained for social media post

October 29, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – A journalist known for his pro-army stance was arrested in Gedaref state on Sunday and transferred to Port Sudan, the country’s temporary capital, for a Facebook post criticizing the Central Bank of Sudan.

Abdul Majeed Abdel Hameed was detained by agents from Sudan’s Federal Investigation Bureau under the country’s cybercrime laws after accusing the central bank of awarding a contract to print Sudanese currency to a Russian company despite a lower-cost and more secure bid from an American firm.

“I have been arrested by the investigation bureau and am on my way to the central bureau in Gedaref state,” Abdel Hameed announced on Facebook. “The group that arrested me came under the direction of authorities in the Red Sea state.”

This is not Abdel Hameed’s first brush with authorities. In July, he was detained in Gedaref after posting information on Facebook about a meeting between the Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister and the Director of Sudanese Intelligence.

Sources told Sudan Tribune that the Governor of the Central Bank of Sudan initiated legal proceedings against Abdel Hameed for a recent article critical of his performance.

A warrant was issued for Abdel Hameed’s arrest, and he was taken into custody after the Gedaref prosecutor approved the detention order under cybercrime laws.

Influential figures attempted to secure his release on bail before his transfer to Port Sudan, but authorities refused and ordered his immediate transfer.

Abdel Hameed is a vocal supporter of the Sudanese army in its ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces.