The Sudanese Journalists Union has sounded an alarm and urgently appealed to well-wishers to save journalists trapped in conflict zones by evacuating them to safer areas.
In a statement extended to this publication, the union emphasized that all help is welcome.
“We cannot do this alone! We need your support, and every contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference,” the statement read in part. “Nine journalists have lost their lives to the ongoing war, with those remaining inside the country facing threats and difficulties in communication.”
According to the union, under the current conditions, journalists are covering the war in unprecedentedly harsh circumstances and continue to report the brutal daily events while being part of the story themselves.
The union reported that it has helped dozens of journalists in conflict areas in the past and now there is an urgent need to save dozens more who are trapped in dangerous zones and provide them with emergency assistance.
“Given the union’s role towards the nation and the major humanitarian crisis that cannot be ignored, which worsens daily, and towards our members and those working in the profession, we have issued this call to save journalists in Sudan,” Tahir Al-Mutasim, the External Relations Officer of the Sudanese Journalists Union, told Radio Tamazuj.
He explained that some of the deceased journalists were run over by vehicles or chased in catastrophic incidents. He highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan, the increasing number of displaced people, the media blackout, and the lack of opportunities to report on the humanitarian crises, whether stories about the displaced within Sudan or refugees in neighboring countries.
These factors, Al-Muatasim stated, compel the union to fulfill its role in rescuing journalists from the crisis.
He pointed out that the appeal aims to save those in conflict zones, urgently help them exit, and secure their lives, and expressed hope that the journalistic community would respond to the call and support their colleagues.