The IPI global network is deeply concerned by reports that journalist Muammar Ibrahim has been detained by Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). We call for his immediate release.聽
As the RSF of key areas of the besieged city of El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, amid Sudan鈥檚 ongoing civil war, the security situation for civilians on the ground has become increasingly dangerous.聽
On October 26, as freelance journalist Muammar Ibrahim sought to flee the city for his own safety, he was by RSF forces. In on social media after Ibrahim鈥檚 capture, the journalist appears surrounded by RSF fighters.
Ibrahim, a recent contributor to , is known as one of the on the ground in El-Fasher willing to continue working, despite an intensifying humanitarian crisis and rapidly deteriorating security conditions as RSF鈥檚 nearly 18-month siege of the city comes to a head.聽
A from the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate following Ibrahim鈥檚 capture called for his 鈥渋mmediate and unconditional release,鈥� and expressed concern about an impending media blackout in El-Fasher as satellite communications networks are disrupted.聽
Since the beginning of Sudan鈥檚 civil war in April 2023, both warring parties 鈥� the RSF and Sudan鈥檚 national army (the SAF) 鈥� have repeatedly targeted the press. In July 2025, journalist El-Rashid Mohamed Haroun was arrested and imprisoned by RSF soldiers while reporting in West Darfur.聽
In June 2025, freelance photojournalist Al-Shykh Al-Samany Saadaldyn was killed in an RSF drone attack. At least a dozen journalists have been killed over the course of the conflict, according to IPI monitoring.