Sudan’s Journalists Hunted, Silenced, Disappeared

November 6, 2024 – Sudan –

The Sudan Media Forum (SMF)—a coalition of independent outlets like Dabanga, Sudan Tribune, and the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate—launched the “Silence Kills: No Time to Waste for Sudan” campaign during events at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa. Coinciding with the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the initiative aimed to highlight the catastrophic impact of Sudan’s ongoing war and mounting attacks on the media.

Since conflict erupted on April 15, 2023, both the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces have systematically silenced journalistic voices. The SMF reports that 80% of Sudan’s states suffer deliberate internet and communications blackouts, and fully 90% of media infrastructure has been destroyed. Over 1,000 journalists have lost jobs, gone into exile, or switched professions. At least 54 journalists have been detained or disappeared, while 13 have been killed.

“Silence Kills” set out clear, urgent goals: break the media blackout, expose ongoing violence and human rights violations, pressure warring parties toward a ceasefire, and hold perpetrators accountable. It also demanded humanitarian access across Sudanese conflict zones. Free Press Unlimited, a longtime supporter of Sudanese media, emphasized that independent outlets remain the only source for on-the-ground truth, urging international actors not to abandon reporters risking their lives to document atrocities.

The campaign builds on SMF’s earlier “Stand With Sudan” initiative, launched in April 2024, which focused on famine prevention and aid corridors. Together, these efforts aim to keep Sudan’s crisis visible, mobilize global solidarity, and protect those bearing witness.

International partners—including the African Union, Free Press Unlimited, and global press freedom bodies—have backed SMF’s appeals, highlighting that a war waged in silence enables genocide, famine, and war crimes to proliferate unchallenged. They stress that media shutdowns obstruct lifesaving information and obscure the suffering of millions.

“Silence Kills” is more than a campaign—it’s a lifeline. In a war that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions, restoring press freedom in Sudan isn’t optional—it’s vital for accountability, humanitarian aid, and peace. Without journalists, the world won’t know—nor likely care—what happens next.

Reference – 

Support for Sudan Media Forum’s ‘Silence Kills’ campaign

https://www.freepressunlimited.org/en/current/support-sudan-media-forums-silence-kills-campaign