In Sudan, RSF detain journalist Muammar Ibrahim amid the recent occupation of Al-Fasher

November 22, 2025

Journalist and political activist Muammar Ibrahim was detained by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) following their violent occupation of Al-Fasher, North Darfur's capital, in October 2024. Ibrahim had been reporting on the humanitarian crisis in the besieged city, where civilians faced starvation, restricted movement, and mass atrocities during a siege lasting over 560 days. After the city fell, the RSF accused him of defamation and lacking neutrality for describing them as a militia in his reporting.

Who is affected

Journalist Muammar Ibrahim (detained by RSF)
Civilians of Al-Fasher, North Darfur
Women and girls facing sexual violence
Civilians killed or fleeing the city
Journalists working in the region
Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF)
International news organizations including Al-Jazeera

What action is being taken

The RSF is detaining Ibrahim and manipulating his social media accounts
Activists on social media are calling for Ibrahim's release
The International Federation of Journalists, Sudanese Union of Journalists, International Press Institute (IPI), and Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) are issuing statements condemning the arrest and demanding his release
Human rights organizations are being called upon to protect Ibrahim

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers faced by journalists reporting on conflict zones and human rights abuses, particularly when covering forces that seek to control their narrative. Ibrahim was one of the few sources documenting the humanitarian catastrophe in Al-Fasher, including a prolonged siege, famine, and mass atrocities. His detention represents an attempt to silence independent reporting on war crimes and civilian suffering, while also demonstrating how armed groups use journalist arrests to suppress information and intimidate the press during ongoing conflicts.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices