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CJP Calls for Investigation into Killing of Sudanese Journalist in El Fasher

Moatinoon
The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called on Sudanese authorities to investigate the killing of journalist Al-Nour Suleiman Al-Nour, who died on Saturday from wounds sustained in a drone strike by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on his home in the besieged city of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state.

“We are appalled by the death of journalist Al-Nour Suleiman Al-Nour after a drone strike hit his home, highlighting the grave risks journalists face under the siege of El Fasher,” said Sarah Qudah, CPJ’s regional director. “Sudanese authorities must swiftly investigate whether Al-Nour was targeted for his reporting and hold those responsible accountable. Both warring parties must immediately stop attacking journalists and other civilians and ensure that journalists can safely work to cover the war.”

After the strike, Al-Nour, 38, was taken to the Saudi Hospital, the only functioning medical facility in El Fasher, but died the next day from his injuries. A local journalist, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation, told CPJ that Al-Nour was one of the most prominent media voices in El Fasher and that he believed the Rapid Support Forces deliberately targeted his home.

Al-Nour worked as a reporter and presenter for the local Al-Salam Radio, then as a presenter and editor for El Fasher State Radio, and served as the media director for the governor of North Darfur, according to an Al Jazeera news report and the local journalist who spoke with CPJ.

Since the outbreak of the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in April 2023, the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate has documented the killing of at least 32 journalists. "With the killing of our colleague Al-Nour Suleiman today in El Fasher, the number of journalists killed since the start of the war has risen to 32, which increases concern for the safety of those working in the profession as civilians. Preserving their lives and ensuring their safety is a duty under all laws, and taking their lives is a violation of these laws," the head of the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate said in a Facebook post. The Committee to Protect Journalists also reported that journalists in El Fasher are struggling to survive under siege by the Rapid Support Forces, without access to aid, reliable communication networks, or safe shelter, and that some have been subjected to sexual violence and assaults in retaliation for their reporting.

The Committee to Protect Journalists said it contacted the Rapid Support Forces via its website to request comment on Al-Nours death but did not receive a response.