UNESCO Condemns Killing of Sudanese Journalist Aladdin Ali Mohamed Amid Ongoing Conflict

January 30, 2025 – Sudan – 

Aladdin Ali Mohamed, a respected Sudanese journalist and program director at Wad Madani Radio in Al Jazirah state, was tragically killed on June 22, 2024, during an armed attack by unidentified assailants in East Sudan. His death reflects the increasingly perilous environment for journalists operating in conflict zones across Sudan.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay condemned Mohamed’s killing, calling for a full and transparent investigation to hold those responsible accountable. In her statement on January 30, 2025, Azoulay emphasized the essential role journalists play in providing reliable information, especially in conflict areas where facts are often obscured by violence and propaganda. She stressed that “the safety of journalists is essential to preserve freedom of expression and access to information,” adding that all parties involved in conflicts have a legal responsibility to protect media workers.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has officially documented Mohamed’s case in its global database, categorizing his death as occurring “in crossfire or combat.” His killing adds to the growing list of journalists who have lost their lives in Sudan’s ongoing conflicts, where media workers often find themselves targeted or caught in the middle of violent clashes. CPJ’s data highlights the broader crisis of impunity surrounding journalist killings, as many such cases remain unresolved.

A report submitted by the International Press Institute (IPI) to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights further outlines the grave situation for journalists in Sudan. The report details the systematic threats, violence, and harassment facing journalists, especially since the outbreak of conflict in 2023. Journalists in Sudan face not only physical danger but also censorship, intimidation, and arbitrary detention, creating a climate of fear that severely restricts press freedom.

The international community, led by organizations like UNESCO and CPJ, continues to call for stronger protections for journalists and accountability for those who commit crimes against them. Aladdin Ali Mohamed’s death serves as a stark reminder of the high price journalists pay for their commitment to informing the public, particularly in regions plagued by violence and instability.

Reference – 

https://ipi.media/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025_February_Sudan_Report_IPI_ACHPR_Submission.pdf

Aladdin Ali Mohamed