Sudan: Journalist Halima Idris Salim Fatally Run Over by Militia Vehicle

The Coalition For Women In Journalism calls for an immediate criminal investigation into the journalist’s death

Location: Sudan, Omdurman
Date: October 10, 2023

Well-respected journalist for Sudan Bukra Channel, Halima Idris Salim, died when she was run over by a vehicle belonging to Rapid Support Forces (RSF) soldiers. Since war broke out in Sudan in April 2023, at least two women journalists have been killed. The Coalition For Women In Journalism is devastated by her loss and urges a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Salim’s death.

On October 10, 2023, Halima Idris Salim was killed while on assignment in Omdurman. The journalist was reporting for the Sudan Bukra channel when she was run over by a vehicle belonging to Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia.

Omdurman, Sudan’s second most populous city, has been the site of fierce battles between the warring factions. The day before Salim’s death, shelling targeted a hospital in the city, killing four and injuring several.

Sudan Bukra Channel has called for an investigation into Salim’s death, demanding to know the truth about what happened to its reporter. “She performed her sacred media duty in the circumstances of this damned war,” the statement concludes. 

In a statement, the Sudanese Journalists Network expressed its deep sorrow over her passing, saying Salim was known as a dedicated and professional journalist committed to the issues of her country and people.

“She was an example of a professional media personality committed to the issues of her country and its people,” the Sudanese Journalists Network says, adding that they have been worryingly following the systematic targeting of journalists and media professionals in the country. 

The conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted in April 2023 as both factions vied for power. Tensions between the SAF and RSF escalated during negotiations aimed at integrating the RSF into the country's military, a crucial step towards reestablishing civilian governance.

The impact of this conflict has been devastating nationwide, with more than 4,000 lives lost and more than three million people displaced from their homes. Those who remain in Sudan face rampant looting and power and water cuts. According to the United Nations, more than 70 percent of the country's hospitals are out of service, and reports of sexual assaults have increased by 50 percent. 

Among the devastation caused by the war, journalists have been attempting to report the conflict while facing extreme aggression from both sides. In June 2023, CFWIJ documented the killing of Radio Zalingei journalist Samaher Abdelshafee in a shelling attack. 

Sudanese journalists have faced physical attacks, arbitrary arrests, and confiscation of their equipment.

There have even been air strikes on convoys of journalists. The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate (SJS) has documented these abuses and noted that both warring factions target journalists, media outlets, and their premises. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism offers our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Halima Idris Salim. Authorities in Omdurman must undertake a transparent investigation to determine what happened to the journalist. We express solidarity with all journalists trying to work under incredibly challenging circumstances in Sudan. We demand that the army and the RSF cease hostilities and condemn their deliberate targeting of journalists and press outlets. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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