Sudan: Journalist Samaher Abdelshafee Killed In Shelling Attack On Displacement Camp
The Coalition For Women In Journalism expresses condolence to Samaher’s family for their tragic loss
Location: Sudan, Zalingei
Date: June 30, 2023
Credit: Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah/Reuters
Journalist killed in shelling of displacement camp in central Darfur where she and her family had found refuge. The Coalition For Women In Journalism is heartbroken for Samaher and her loved ones. We demand the Sudan Armed Forces, and Rapid Support Forces cease hostilities and shelling civilian targets.
On June 30, 2023, Radio Zalingei journalist Samaher Abdelshafee was killed when a shell hit a camp for displaced people near Zalingei. The journalist died instantly. She had found refuge with her family at the Hasaheisa camp after being forced to flee her home due to the conflict.
Violations against journalists
In Sudan, journalists are facing a dire situation as conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues. According to a report by the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate (SJS), over 150 journalists were forced to flee their homes within Sudan during the second half of June, while more than 70 sought refuge in neighboring countries.
Journalists who attempted to work in the country faced threats, beatings, and captivity. The report also details instances of journalists being detained, shot, and verbally abused by RSF members.
Sudanese journalists are facing a double burden, according to Abdelmonim Abu Idris, the head of the Sudanese Syndicate of Journalists. They endure the hardships of living amidst the ongoing fighting and the resulting deprivation of basic services and work under unsafe conditions.
Many journalists have been forced to stop their work or leave the country due to the violence and intermittent communication blackouts. The situation is challenging and dangerous for journalists, as any criticism or unfavorable reporting can be seen as a direct threat by warring factions.
This has seen an increase in Sudanese journalists reporting from exile. In recent years, exile journalism has become increasingly necessary due to the global rise in authoritarianism and repression, as highlighted by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.
In addition to physical violence, Sudanese journalists are also battling digital threats. The SJS has strongly condemned the circulation of posters on social media accusing journalists, including former Minister of Information Feisal Mohamed Saleh and prominent journalist Zuheir El Sarraj, of high treason. These posters, which include photos and personal details of the journalists and promote racist discourses, pose a direct threat to their lives.
Conflict in Sudan
Fighting broke out in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, in April 2023 when Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began battling for dominance.
At the center of the ongoing clashes are two prominent figures: Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the military ruler and head of the army, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti, the deputy leader and head of RSF. Formerly comrades-in-arms, the duo collaborated closely to overthrow ousted President Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and played instrumental roles in the subsequent military coup in 2021.
Tensions between the SAF and RSF emerged during negotiations to integrate the RSF into the country's military, a critical step towards reinstating civilian governance.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) currently holds significant control over Khartoum and its neighboring cities of Omdurman and Bahri. In response, the army has launched numerous artillery and air assaults to dislodge the paramilitary fighters. The clashes have extended beyond the city limits, spreading to the western Darfur region – where ethnic violence has also erupted.
Nationwide, the toll of this conflict has been devastating, with hundreds of lives lost and nearly three million people displaced.
While there have been limited successes in securing temporary ceasefires, they have never lasted long.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism offers its condolences to Samaher Abdelshafee and her loved ones. The senseless killings must end, and violence toward journalists must end. We call on the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to halt their fighting and work towards a lasting cessation of hostilities. They must uphold their international humanitarian and human rights law responsibilities to safeguard civilians and facilitate humanitarian efforts.
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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