The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has raised the alarm over reports that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a Sudanese paramilitary group, is utilizing state-owned media buildings in Omdurman as unlawful detention centers. CPJ urges all parties involved in the conflict to uphold the sanctity of media establishments.
Sherif Mansour, CPJ’s Middle East and North Africa program coordinator, expressed deep concern over the RSF’s use of Sudan’s state television headquarters for detaining individuals, describing it as a distressing indication of the deteriorating press freedom in the country. Mansour emphasized the imperative need for the paramilitary group to desist from repurposing media institutions as detention centers and to safeguard these establishments from destruction.
The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, responsible for documenting abuses against journalists, revealed on Thursday, December 7, that the RSF had transformed buildings belonging to the Sudan Broadcasting Corporation into detention facilities. Additionally, reports indicated that the RSF had been involved in the sale of broadcasting equipment from these facilities in local markets. The syndicate’s statement further highlighted the looting and selling of equipment from local independent television channels Sudania 24, Al-Balad, Al-Neel Al-Azraq, and the British broadcaster BBC.
CPJ’s earlier report had cited the RSF’s takeover of the state television headquarters following the commencement of the conflict between the paramilitary forces and the Sudanese army on April 15. Since then, numerous journalists in the country have faced dire circumstances, including fatalities, injuries from gunshots, physical assaults, harassment, and arrests while covering the war.
Efforts to seek comments from Sudan’s army, the Sudanese Armed Forces, and the RSF via email proved futile as CPJ did not receive any responses.
The situation in Sudan serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need to safeguard press freedom and ensure the protection of journalists, media institutions, and the fundamental right to freedom of expression.
