Sudanese Paramilitary Group Kidnaps Journalist, Demands Escalating Ransom

August 29, 2024 – Sudan – 

Freelance journalist Aladdin Abu Harba, based in East Nile, Khartoum, was abducted by armed men affiliated with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on August 23, 2024, and held in an undisclosed location, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Initially, the kidnappers demanded 1 million Sudanese pounds (approximately US$400) for his release, but upon payment, they raised the ransom to 2 million pounds, threatening to kill him if additional funds were not paid.

The CPJ strongly condemned this act, calling on the RSF to immediately and unconditionally release Abu Harba, and arguing that journalists must never be used as pawns in Sudan’s ongoing armed conflict. The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate also weighed in, holding the RSF responsible for the journalist’s safety and calling for his safe return.

This incident is part of a wider pattern of violence against media workers amid Sudan’s brutal civil war between the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which reignited in April 2023. Journalists have been killed, detained, harassed, and displaced, while infrastructure has collapsed and media outlets have been looted or transformed into detention centers.

The CPJ noted that another freelance journalist, Abdulrahman Haneen, was similarly targeted on August 16, when armed men raided his home, stole equipment and cash, and threatened his family.

This crisis underscores the severe threats press personnel face in Sudan, where paramilitary forces operate with near-total impunity. The CPJ has demanded that both armed factions permit media access and cease using journalists as bargaining tools.

Reference – 

Paramilitary group kidnaps, demands ransom for Sudanese journalist – Committee to Protect Journalists (cpj.org)