(IPI) Renews Call for Justice for Journalist Halima Idriss Salim
Moatinoon
The International Press Institute (IPI) has renewed its call for a transparent and independent investigation into the killing of journalist Halima Idriss Salim, according to a statement issued today marking one year since her death at the hands of members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The IPI demanded justice for Halima and all other journalists killed in Sudan. According to the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, at least 11 other journalists have been killed since the outbreak of the conflict in April 2023.
In its statement, the IPI noted that since the outbreak of the conflict in Sudan, media outlets and journalists have faced multiple risks threatening their safety. These risks include attacks on journalists, both online and offline; arrest and detention; attacks and destruction of media infrastructure; and internet and communication blackouts. Many journalists have fled the country.
The IPI called on the international community to urgently exert pressure on the warring parties in Sudan to protect the safety of journalists and allow them to cover this ongoing conflict, which has seen a rapid deterioration in humanitarian conditions and respect for media freedom.
Halima was working for the online news outlet "Sudan Bukra" before she was killed by RSF members in the streets of Omdurman, northwest of Khartoum. According to reports, a vehicle identified as belonging to the RSF struck Halima and her friend as they were crossing the street. The IPI stated, "Given the volatile security situation and lack of investigation, the International Press Institute has not been able to determine whether the incident was intentional or whether Salim was targeted because of her work."
Nompilo Simanje, the IPI’s Africa Advocacy and Partnership Lead, said: "In Sudan, as elsewhere, journalists play a vital role as the eyes and ears of the public in conflict situations, and they must be afforded the protection they need while performing their duties." She added, "There must be a thorough investigation into the killing of Halima Salim, as well as all other attacks on journalists amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Those responsible for these attacks must be held accountable. International humanitarian law is very clear that journalists and media workers operating in conflict zones should be treated and protected as civilians and allowed to carry out their work without undue interference. Any targeted attacks on journalists would constitute a war crime."
IPI has documented several other cases of journalist killings in Sudan since the conflict began. The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate informed the IPI that it has recorded the deaths of a total of 12 journalists during the conflict, including those documented by the IPI. This includes cases where journalists were believed to have been targeted for their work, killed while on duty, or killed by shelling as a result of the conflict.
Mohamed Abdelaziz, Secretary-General of the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, told the IPI via WhatsApp: "So far, this war has claimed the lives of 12 journalists, including two women. We will not stand idly by in the face of any targeting or assault on journalists. We will make every effort to bring those responsible for killing journalists to justice." He added, "We reaffirm our full commitment to protecting press freedom and defending the rights of journalists to perform their duties safely and without threat."
