International Federation of Journalists Condemns Killing of Hanan Adam in Sudan

The killing of Sudanese journalist Hanan Adam by the Rapid Support Forces has been condemned by the International Federation of Journalists as a heinous crime. Adam, a correspondent for Al-Maidan, was murdered with her brother in an attack on their home. This incident marks a grave escalation in violence toward journalists in Sudan, prompting calls for government action to ensure their safety.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has expressed strong condemnation regarding the killing of Sudanese journalist Hanan Adam by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), labeling the act as a “heinous” crime. This incident prompted the organization to call for immediate action to combat the rising atmosphere of fear and violence faced by journalists in Sudan. Tragically, Adam, a dedicated journalist working for the Ministry of Culture and Information and a correspondent for Al-Maidan, was murdered alongside her brother during an RSF attack on December 8 in Wad Al-Asha.

In a statement, IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger expressed profound sorrow over the deaths, stating, “We mourn the loss of our colleague, Hanan Adam, and her brother Youssef, and extend our deepest condolences to the family.” The IFJ has urged the Sudanese government to initiate a thorough investigation and to take decisive measures to eradicate the hostile environment journalists endure within the country.

Al-Maidan newspaper, where Adam worked, commemorated her commitment to journalism, remarking that she reported with “only paper and pen”. Adam stands out as the sixth journalist to be killed in Sudan in 2024, making it the most perilous African nation for media professionals. The RSF has been implicated in the slayings of at least five journalists since the onset of conflict in April 2023, reinforcing their notoriety as assailants against journalists. The increasing international scrutiny of the RSF connects to the critically worsening safety conditions for journalists within Sudan, a nation fraught with turmoil stemming from a power struggle among competing military leaders.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, primarily driven by rivalries between military generals, has generated a volatile environment for journalists, markedly increasing the risk of violence against media workers. The RSF, initially formed to assist in countering insurgent groups, has increasingly engaged in actions that directly target press personnel. The continuous killing of journalists highlights the severe implications for freedom of speech and reporting in the war-torn nation, necessitating urgent international attention and intervention.

The tragic killing of Hanan Adam symbolizes the escalating threats faced by journalists in Sudan, especially from the RSF. The IFJ’s urgent appeal for government action underscores the dire need for investigations and improved safety measures for media professionals. As Sudan remains embroiled in conflict, the risks to journalists continue to mount, revealing a critical situation that demands global awareness and response.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com