Omdurman: The Deputy Head of the Sudanese Journalists Union (SJU), Mohamed Al-Fatih, highlighted the exceptional challenges faced by Sudanese journalism on this year's World Press Freedom Day, attributing these difficulties to the systematic destruction of media institutions by the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia.
According to Sudan News Agency, Al-Fatih praised the resilience of Sudanese journalists who have continued their mission through alternative platforms, documenting violations, and maintaining professional standards despite risks and limited resources. He made these remarks during the 54th press briefing organized by SUNA in collaboration with the Global Space Center, marking World Press Freedom Day under the theme: 'Press Freedom Between Professional Discipline and Commitment to Journalistic Ethics.' The event took place at the Cultural Center in Omdurman and was attended by several media specialists.
Al-Fatih expressed gratitude for the organization of the event, emphasizing its significance even in challenging times as a means to bolster professional awareness and responsibility regarding national media issues. He noted that the challenges faced by journalism are not exclusive to Sudan but are also present in the Arab and European regions, with the war initiated by the rebel militia causing widespread destruction of media infrastructure.
He further explained that Sudanese journalism, with its more than 120-year history, has encountered severe challenges due to the militia's systematic destruction aimed at silencing Sudan's voice and obscuring facts from public view. Al-Fatih reported that journalists have faced serious violations by the militia, including the killing of 26 journalists through shelling and direct targeting. Media institutions have also been attacked, with broadcasting equipment and facilities looted and destroyed, and some institutions converted into militia military sites.
Al-Fatih called on the international community and organizations concerned with press freedom to take responsibility by condemning these violations, advocating for the release of detained journalists, ensuring their protection, and holding perpetrators accountable in accordance with international laws and conventions. He concluded by noting that the Sudanese Journalists Union has submitted detailed reports to several international organizations about these violations, urging urgent action amidst the ongoing detention of journalists.