A Sudanese photojournalist, Ibrahim Nagdalla, was severely injured in an assault believed to be politically motivated, occurring in Cairo, Egypt. The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate condemned the attack and connected it to rising political polarization due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan. They urged for protective measures for journalists and accountability for the attackers, illustrating the dangerous state of press freedom in the region.
In a distressing incident that underscores the dangers facing journalists, a Sudanese photojournalist was assaulted in Cairo, Egypt, early Wednesday morning. Ibrahim Nagdalla, an active member of the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, sustained severe injuries, including deep wounds and extensive bruising. According to reports, the attack appears to have been politically motivated, orchestrated by a former roommate who had shifted allegiance towards pro-war sentiments, contrary to Nagdalla’s stance of civil opposition.
This attack has drawn condemnation from the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, which characterized the violence as part of a broader campaign against dissenters. The Syndicate stated that such actions aim to discredit civilians opposing the ongoing conflict by suggesting their support for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). “These groups seek to vilify civilians who oppose the conflict by falsely accusing them of supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), thereby attempting to legitimise violence against dissenters,” they added in a statement.
The Syndicate expressed serious concerns over the increasing polarization within Sudanese society due to the war and underscored the urgent need for community leaders to address the consequences stemming from the conflict. They called for proactive measures to prevent further violence and highlighted the necessity for international organizations, specifically the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), to protect Sudanese journalists from intimidation and ensure their safety.
In a strong move, the Syndicate declared accountability for the attackers, stating their intention to pursue all legal avenues to seek justice for Nagdalla. This incident is a stark reminder of the escalating threats faced by journalists in Sudan, a nation where many have been murdered or detained since the onset of the conflict.
The risks confronting Sudanese journalists have drawn alarm from various quarters. Earlier this month, the Syndicate released a statement regarding the increasing dangers that journalists face, with many targeted precisely for their vital reporting. Sadly, it appears that the journalism environment in Sudan has become increasingly lethal.
Sudan currently ranks 156th out of 180 in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders. This report highlights a troubling uptick in physical threats, arbitrary arrests, and smear campaigns against journalists, painting Sudan’s media landscape as one of the most perilous in the world.
The assault on Ibrahim Nagdalla highlights the grave risks facing journalists in Sudan and emphasizes the politically charged atmosphere that can lead to violence against dissenters. With the Syndicate’s call for accountability and protection measures, there is hope for a bolstered response from the international community towards safeguarding press freedom and human rights in an increasingly hostile environment for journalists.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
