Sudan: Inaam Ahmady Forcefully Displaced, Threatened at Gun Point
Women Press Freedom worryingly documents increased threats, harassment, physical and sexual assault, and the killings of women journalists since war erupted in 2023
Location: Sudan, El Geneina
Date: May 7, 2024
Women Press Freedom is deeply alarmed by the escalating violence and targeted attacks against women journalists in Sudan, with the latest target Inaam Ahmady. The journalist’s home was brutally raided by Rapid Support Forces (RSF) personnel who threatened her at gunpoint, demanded her equipment, looted her property, and partially burned her home. Forced to flee with her family, Ahmady endured an arduous eight-day journey fraught with harassment. Although she now resides in relative safety in eastern Sudan, she can no longer practice journalism. This targeted violence is not isolated. Since the outbreak of war in 2023, we have documented a disturbing rise in threats, harassment, physical and sexual assaults, and the tragic killings of Halima Idris Salim and Samaher Abdelshafee. Women Press Freedom calls on the international community to urgently condemn these violent acts and to take decisive action to protect journalists in Sudan. The resilience and bravery of women journalists like Inaam Ahmady, Samar Suleiman, and Azaz Kamal al-Din must be met with unwavering support. It is crucial to amplify their voices and ensure their safety so they can continue their vital work of reporting the truth.
“They abused me, looted my home, and even partially burned it,” says Inaam Ahmady from El Geneina, West Darfur. Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary force formerly operated by the Government of Sudan, raided the journalist's home and threatened her at gunpoint to surrender her equipment. The paramilitairy group also threatened her family. “They besieged me, forcing me to disguise myself just to buy essentials.”
Ahmady is one of several women journalists, including Samar Suleiman and Azaz Kamal al-Din, who are being targeted with threats, harassment, and physical assault. One anonymous journalist was sexually assaulted. Women Press Freedom previously documented the killing of two women journalists in Darfur.
Threats come from various sources, including anonymous actors, military intelligence, and the Rapid Support Forces in areas under their control.
Facing constant pressure and displacement, Ahmady ultimately fled with her family to eastern Sudan. The eight-day journey was fraught with harassment. “Now I’m safe,” she said, “but I can’t practice journalism anymore.”
In Kassala, Samar Suleiman’s experience underscores the pervasive danger faced by journalists, as documented by Women Press Freedom. Despite lodging seven complaints with local authorities, she continues to receive daily threats. The journalist has been actively involved in aiding displaced people, and setting up makeshift schools in response to housing shortages and soaring rents. Her efforts, however, have made her a target. False accusations posted online, claiming she is part of a sleeper cell supporting the Rapid Support Forces, have led to a deluge of threatening messages, exacerbating her fears.
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 Rapid Support Forces took control of the region.
Since the conflict began in April 2023, at least two women journalists were killed. Halima Idris Salim, a respected journalist for Sudan Bukra Channel, was killed in Omdurman when a vehicle belonging to the Rapid Support Forces ran her over while she was reporting on the ongoing conflict. In June 2023, journalist Samaher Abdelshafee was killed during a shelling attack on a displacement camp in central Darfur, where she had sought refuge with her family.
“Now I’m safe, but I can’t practice journalism anymore”
In response to these alarming trends, the Journalists Syndicate, a national advocacy organization for the press, is taking action. Tariq Osman, a legal aid officer with the Syndicate, announced new measures to support journalists in conflict zones, including a nationwide support hotline to assist journalists in reporting attacks.
Women Press Freedom condemns the escalating violence and targeted attacks against women journalists in Sudan. Since the conflict erupted in 2023, the threats, harassment, physical and sexual assaults, and killings of women journalists have surged alarmingly. Ahmady's plight is a stark reminder of the dire circumstances under which women journalists in Sudan operate. Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with Ahmady and all women journalists who risk their lives to report the truth. We call on the international community to take immediate action to protect these brave journalists and uphold the principles of press freedom and human rights.
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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