The International Press Institute renews its call for justice for journalist Halima Idris Salim

Sudan Events – Agencies 

The International Press Institute (IPI) has renewed its call for a transparent and independent investigation into the killing of journalist Halima Idris Salim. In a statement issued today, marking one year since her death at the hands of members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the institute urged for justice.

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 conflict erupted in April 2023.

The institute stated that the media and journalists have faced various risks threatening their safety since the outbreak of the conflict in Sudan. These risks include attacks on journalists both online and offline, arrests and detentions, attacks and destruction of media infrastructure, as well as internet and communication blackouts. Many journalists have fled the country.

The IPI called on the international community to urgently pressure the warring parties in Sudan to ensure the safety of journalists and allow them to cover the ongoing conflict, which has led to a rapid deterioration of humanitarian conditions and a disregard for press freedom.

Halima worked for the news website Sudan Bukra before she was killed by members of the RSF in the streets of Omdurman, northwest of Khartoum. Reports indicate that a vehicle, identified as belonging to the RSF, struck Halima and her friend while they were crossing the street. The IPI stated: “Due to the volatile security situation and lack of an investigation, the IPI has been unable to determine whether the incident was deliberate or if Salim was targeted because of her work.”

Nombulelo Simanji, IPI’s Africa Partnerships and Advocacy Officer, said: “In Sudan, as in other places, journalists play a critical role as the eyes and ears of the public during conflicts, and they must be granted the protection they need to do their job.” She added: “A thorough investigation is needed 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 must be treated and protected as civilians and allowed to carry out their work without undue interference. Any targeted attacks on journalists constitute a war crime.”

The IPI has documented several other journalist killings in Sudan since the conflict began. The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate told the IPI that it has recorded the deaths of a total of 12 journalists in the conflict, including the cases documented by the institute. This includes journalists believed to have been targeted because of their work, those killed while on duty, or those killed by shelling as a result of the conflict.

Mohamed Abdel Aziz, 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 do everything in our power to bring justice to those responsible for killing journalists.” He added, “We reaffirm our full commitment to protecting press freedom and defending the rights of journalists to perform their duty safely and without threat.”