Sudanese Women Journalists Face Systematic Targeting Amid Ongoing War
Khartoum, May 3, 2025 – Press Freedom Under Siege
Sudanese women journalists have endured severe threats to their lives, security, and livelihoods during the two-year conflict between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Press freedom has collapsed as both warring parties disregard International Humanitarian Law (IHL), obstructing journalists’ ability to report freely.
Escalating Violations Against Women Journalists
Recent incidents highlight the dangers faced by women in media. In April 2025, authorities in Kassala state arrested journalist Imtithal Abd Al-Fadil for three days and barred her from traveling abroad—a clear violation of constitutional and international press freedoms.
According to the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate:
- Five women journalists have been assassinated since the war began.
- Four documented cases of physical assault or injury.
- Eleven women journalists shot.
- Twelve detained without legal justification.
Media Landscape in Crisis
Iman Fadl Al-Sayed, Freedoms Secretary at the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, stated:
“Conditions for women journalists have deteriorated continuously since the war began. Media institutions have shut down, and direct targeting has weakened war coverage.”
She noted that:
- 1,000 journalists (male and female) have stopped working.
- Hundreds have fled to neighboring countries.
- Media outlets aligned with warring factions dominate narratives, rejecting neutral reporting.
Urgent Calls for Protection
Journalist Samar Suleiman emphasized the need for immediate action:
“Women journalists face systematic attacks—death threats, confiscation of equipment, and media shutdowns. The international community must enforce protections under the Geneva Conventions and human rights law.”
Key recommendations include:
- Investigating violations and prosecuting perpetrators.
- Providing psychosocial support for traumatized journalists.
- Ensuring safety training and protective gear.
Conclusion: A Threat to Press Freedom
The ongoing war has crippled journalism in Sudan, with women reporters bearing the brunt of violence and censorship. Without intervention, press freedom and human rights will continue to erode.
This report was published by Sudan Media Forum on World Press Freedom Day to highlight the crisis facing journalists in Sudan. #StandWithSudan