Sudan: Samar Sulaiman and Azaz Kamal al-Din Threatened and Doxxed for Supporting Humanitarian Work
Women Press Freedom documents Sudanese journalists face extreme threats amidst conflict
Location: Sudan, KassalaDate: April 24, 2024
Women Press Freedom condemns threats against Samar Sulaiman, a journalist accused of links to the military faction Rapid Support Forces (RSF) due to her humanitarian efforts. It is outrageous that Sulaiman, known for aiding those displaced by the war, has received intimidating messages and had her personal information shared online. Since the civil war broke out in 2023, numerous attacks have targeted the press. We have documented the killing of at least two women journalists. We demand an immediate end to the targeting of the press, better protection for journalists reporting from the frontlines, and a thorough and transparent investigation into those threatening Sulaiman.
“I received many threats, six threats to be exact. They were on social media platforms along with the publication of my phone number and personal photos with other colleagues doing volunteer work,” journalist Samar Sulaiman told Radio Tamazuj.
The journalist, known for her humanitarian work in Kassala State, is being falsely accused of being a sleeper agent affiliated with the paramilitary group the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
“These threats are painful to me as I am an advocate for peace and conflict resolution by specialization,” she explained.
In April 2023, conflict erupted in Khartoum, Sudan, as the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) clashed with the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for control. The fighting has caused widespread casualties and the displacement of millions.
The Sudanese Journalists Union has decried the threats targeting Sulaiman as an attempt to silence the journalist and restrict her public role.
Sulaiman has reported the six threats to authorities. Despite these attacks, she remains committed to advocating for peace and highlighting the impact of war on Sudanese lives.
Azaz Kamal al-Din, who works alongside Suleiman, shares similar stories of intimidation. Their team has observed a significant increase in the number of displaced individuals seeking aid since the RSF took control of the region.
As the rival warring factions in Sudan continue to vie for control, the conflict's escalation has intensified the persecution of journalists. Media organizations have become collateral damage, with facilities looted and journalists facing harassment and violence. At least two women journalists have been killed since the conflict began in April 2023. Halima Idris Salim, a respected journalist for Sudan Bukra Channel, was tragically killed in Omdurman when she was run over by a vehicle belonging to the RSF militia while reporting on the ongoing conflict in the area. In June 2023, journalist Samaher Abdelshafee was killed in a shelling attack on a displacement camp in central Darfur, where she sought refuge with her family.
“These threats are painful to me as I am an advocate for peace and conflict resolution by specialization”
Women Press Freedom strongly denounces the threats targeting Samar Sulaiman; it is unacceptable that her humanitarian efforts to help those affected by conflict are being twisted to accuse her of involvement with an armed militia group. These accusations amidst conflict are extremely dangerous and put Sulaiman’s safety at serious risk. We demand authorities investigate the threats Sulaiman has reported and hold those responsible accountable.
As Sudan's media landscape faces unprecedented challenges, Women Press Freedom reminds the parties in conflict — both the regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces — that international law protects journalists in conflict zones and any harm inflicted upon them could lead to criminal accountability. We urge the international community to condemn any attacks on the press and to take action to safeguard press freedom and ensure journalists can report safely.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
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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