The Committee for Justice (CFJ) condemns the ongoing enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests targeting several journalists in Sudan, amid escalating concerns over their safety and the increasing suppression of journalistic work in the context of the country’s ongoing conflict.
According to CFJ’s documentation, three cases of enforced disappearance and three cases of arbitrary arrest of journalists have been recorded across different regions of Sudan, including Khartoum, Darfur, and Sennar. Some journalists have reportedly been held for nearly a full year.
Information obtained by CFJ confirms the disappearance of journalist Ashraf Al‑Hibr since November 2024 in Omdurman, journalist Issam Mohamed Haroun since August 2025 in El Fasher, and journalist Musab Al‑Hadi, who has been missing since October 2025. To date, the authorities have not revealed which entities are responsible for their detention or their whereabouts.
CFJ also documented the arrest of photojournalist Abdelaziz Mahmoud Saleh in Port Sudan by the Sudanese Armed Forces since April 2024. Meanwhile, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are holding journalists Mostafa Fadl Al‑Mawla in Zalingei and Moammar Ibrahim in El Fasher, detained since September and October 2025 respectively.
CFJ emphasized that enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention constitute grave violations of international human rights law and pose a direct threat to freedom of the press and the public’s right to access information—especially during periods of armed conflict where independent reporting is essential.
The Committee calls for the immediate disclosure of the fate and whereabouts of all journalists subjected to enforced disappearance, and for allowing them to communicate with their families and lawyers. CFJ further demands the unconditional release of all journalists detained solely for carrying out their professional duties.
The Committee also urges the initiation of independent investigations into all incidents of enforced disappearance and arbitrary arrest, with full accountability for those responsible, in order to ensure the protection of journalists and safeguard media freedom in Sudan.
