Sudanese Photojournalist Assaulted in Cairo, Highlights Press Safety Concerns
A Sudanese photojournalist was assaulted in Cairo, suffering serious injuries. The attack, described as politically motivated, was allegedly led by a former protester turned pro-war supporter. The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate condemned the violence and called for accountability, while also highlighting the escalating dangers faced by journalists in Sudan amid the ongoing conflict.
In a concerning incident on Wednesday morning in Cairo, a Sudanese photojournalist has sustained severe injuries following a violent attack attributed to a group of Sudanese nationals. Ibrahim Nagdalla, who is a member of the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate (SJS), was reportedly assaulted as tensions among Sudanese communities intensify amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Nagdalla, known for his civil opposition to the war, was left with deep wounds and extensive bruising as a result of the attack. Information received by Radio Dabanga indicates that the assault was allegedly orchestrated by a former roommate, who has shifted allegiances to pro-war sentiments, highlighting the stark political divisions exacerbated by the conflict.
The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate expressed outrage over the incident, categorizing it as part of a politically motivated assault, reflective of heightened aggression from pro-war factions. In a statement, the Syndicate condemned “the use of violence to settle political or ideological differences” and warned that this attack signifies a larger propaganda effort aimed at discrediting dissenting civilians.
“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,” the statement elaborated, signaling a troubling trend in the narrative against journalists and activists.
The SJS has underscored the severe implications that the escalating political and social polarization poses on Sudanese society. It called upon community leaders to actively engage in discussions to mitigate the social consequences brought on by the war, urging for a unified stance against violence.
Additionally, the Syndicate has appealed to international entities focused on press rights and human rights, notably the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), urging them to take actionable steps to protect Sudanese journalists from intimidation and aggression.
Furthermore, the SJS has vowed to hold the perpetrator and any collaborators accountable, promising to pursue all legal channels available to ensure justice for Nagdalla. This incident is a stark reminder of the perilous environment Sudanese journalists face, as many have been targeted since the outbreak of conflict; some have even been shot or killed,
The danger confronting journalists in Sudan is becoming increasingly pronounced. Earlier this month, the SJS raised alarms over the risks journalists encounter, noting how violent suppression of press freedoms has risen sharply since the conflict began. With an alarming ranking at 156th out of 180 countries on the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, Sudan is now recognized as having one of the most dangerous media environments globally, plagued by arbitrary arrests and targeted violence against journalists.
The violent assault on Sudanese photojournalist Ibrahim Nagdalla in Cairo highlights the severe risks facing journalists amid rising tensions related to the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, denouncing the incident, calls for accountability and enhanced protections for journalists. As violence continues to jeopardize press freedoms in the region, the need for international intervention and solidarity within the Sudanese community has never been more essential.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
