The International Federation of Journalists condemned the killing of Sudanese journalist Hanan Adam by the Rapid Support Forces, calling it a “heinous” act and urging action against violence towards journalists in Sudan. Adam, working for the Ministry of Culture and Information and Al-Maidan newspaper, was killed alongside her brother during an RSF attack, marking her as the sixth journalist killed in Sudan this year, amid a dangerous climate for press freedom.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has denounced the brutal killing of Sudanese journalist Hanan Adam by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), labeling the act as “heinous.” Their statement calls for immediate action to combat the escalating violence against journalists in Sudan. Tragically, Adam, who contributed to the Ministry of Culture and Information in Gezira state and served as a correspondent for Al-Maidan, was murdered on December 8 at her residence alongside her brother, Youssef Adam, during an RSF raid in the area of Wad Al-Asha. In an official statement, IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger expressed the organization’s sorrow over the loss, urging the Sudanese government to initiate an investigation and enact effective measures to ensure the safety of journalists operating in the country.
Al-Maidan newspaper issued a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, commemorating Adam’s unwavering commitment to journalism, emphasizing her determination to report using “only paper and pen.” Adam’s tragic death marks the sixth killing of a journalist in Sudan this year, which has become the most perilous environment for media professionals across Africa in 2024. The RSF has been involved in the deaths of at least five journalists since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, gaining notoriety for their targeted aggression against members of the media. This growing trend of violence towards journalists raises significant concerns internationally, as the RSF’s conduct is placed under increasing scrutiny amidst a civil conflict driven by a power struggle among rival generals.
In recent years, Sudan has seen a notable decline in press freedom, exacerbated by ongoing conflict resulting from a power struggle between military factions. The RSF, a paramilitary group known for its contentious operational history, has been implicated in numerous human rights violations, including attacks on journalists. Hanan Adam’s murder reflects a troubling trend, wherein reporters face extreme risks while attempting to fulfill their duties in a hostile environment. With Adam’s death, the alarming statistics indicate that Sudan has become the most dangerous place for journalists in Africa as of 2024, raising urgent calls from international rights groups for protective measures and accountability.
The brutal killing of Hanan Adam by the Rapid Support Forces represents a significant violation of press freedom and human rights in Sudan, underscoring the need for urgent intervention by the Sudanese government and international communities. The IFJ’s condemnation highlights the growing crisis for journalists in the country, which has now been recognized as the deadliest nation for media professionals in Africa. Calls for justice and accountability must be amplified to ensure the safety and protection of journalists in conflict-ridden areas.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
