A Sudanese photojournalist, Ibrahim Nagdalla, was seriously injured in Cairo after an assault by fellow Sudanese nationals, viewed as politically motivated. The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate condemned the attack and called for accountability, linking it to greater polarization amid the conflict. The SJS noted rising dangers for journalists in Sudan, with the country ranking poorly on the World Press Freedom Index.
In a shocking incident early Wednesday morning in Cairo, a Sudanese photojournalist was brutally assaulted, allegedly by a group of Sudanese nationals. Ibrahim Nagdalla, a member of the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate (SJS), sustained serious injuries including deep wounds and extensive bruises. This attack is being characterized by advocates for press freedom as politically motivated, reflecting the violent divisions within the Sudanese community amid ongoing conflict in Sudan.
The aggressors are reportedly led by a former roommate and fellow protester, who has shifted allegiance to support for the war. This stark change contrasts with Nagdalla’s steadfast opposition to the conflict. The SJS issued a statement condemning the violence that underscores a worrying trend of using physical attacks to settle political differences, affirming that it represents an attempt by pro-war factions to silence dissenters.
According to the Syndicate, such violence is part of a broader propaganda strategy aimed at discrediting civilians who resist the conflict. They pointed out that dissenters are often falsely accused of supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which the SJS argues attempts to legitimize violence against those opposed to the conflict.
The incident highlights a troubling pattern of increasing polarization in Sudan, with the SJS expressing significant concern about the war’s impact on the fabric of Sudanese society. “This conflict has severely frayed the social fabric of Sudanese society, posing an unprecedented threat to national cohesion,” the statement said. They called for immediate action from community leaders and international organizations to address the dangers journalists face.
The situation for Sudanese journalists has been deteriorating. Earlier this month, the SJS warned of mounting threats against journalists who have been targeted for their reporting under the current conflict. Reports of shootings, detentions, and killings of journalists have surged, making the profession increasingly perilous in Sudan.
In the latest rankings by Reporters Without Borders, Sudan now sits at 156 out of 180 countries in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index. The organization highlighted a significant rise in physical threats and arbitrary arrests, declaring Sudan’s media environment one of the most dangerous globally. As calls grow for legal action, the SJS vowed to hold the assailant and any accomplices accountable, ensuring that every avenue for justice is pursued.
In summary, the assault on Ibrahim Nagdalla serves as a stark reminder of the perils facing journalists in Sudan and the broader political and social unrest stemming from the ongoing conflict. The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate has called for accountability and urgent action from both local leaders and international bodies to protect press freedoms and safeguard journalists’ safety. The escalation of violence against dissent points to a troubling trend that endangers not only journalists but the integrity of the media in Sudan as a whole.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
