The Sudanese Journalists Union has condemned what it called the intimidation of and threats against a colleague accused of being part of a sleeper cell affiliated with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The Union said in a statement obtained by Radio Tamazuj that one of its members, Samar Sulaiman, has repeatedly been threatened.

“In a dangerous escalation, journalist Samar Sulaiman received threats via text and voice messages on her mobile phone,” the statement said. “In the threats, Samar is accused of being a sleeper agent for or belonging to a sleeper cell of the RSF due to her humanitarian activities in providing services to citizens fleeing the horrors of war to sheltering houses in Kassala State.”

The statement added: “The Union strongly condemns this type of unjust campaign against journalists aimed at intimidating, silencing, and keeping them away from the public sphere.”

The union affirmed its full solidarity with Sulaiman and stated that it has engaged legal assistance to confront these serious threats.

On her part, Sulaiman said she has reported the threats to the relevant authorities who reportedly filed five reports about the incident.

“I received many threats, six threats to be exact. They were on social media platforms along with the publication of my phone number and personal photos with other colleagues doing volunteer work,” she told this publication. “These threats are painful to me as I am an advocate for peace and conflict resolution by specialization.”

The downcast journalist emphasized that all Sudanese are not benefiting from the war, noting that she has been more affected by the war through the loss of property, work, and her loved ones. She called for an end to the devastating war in Sudan and unity, peace and security in the country.