Showing posts with label El Fasher. Show all posts
Showing posts with label El Fasher. Show all posts

Friday, March 08, 2024

Sudan: Committee to Protect Journalists condemn the murder of Sudanese journalist Mr Khalid Balal

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: At an online networking platform a few days ago, Sudanese journalist Mr Hassan Ahmed Berkia posted this photo and tragic news regarding Sudanese journalist Khalid Balal:


"According to the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, journalist Khalid Balal was killed by an armed group inside his home in El Fasher, North Darfur State. The identity of the killers or the group they belong to has not been confirmed."

Photo: Sudanese journalist Mr Khalid Balal

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In reply to Hassan’s post I wrote and posted this comment:


"Condolences to Khalid's family and friends. Over the past 20 years hundreds of brave peacekeepers and journalists in Sudan and South Sudan have been murdered. 


There’s little hard news coming out of Sudan because journalists and media outlets inside the country have been silenced. There is no freedom of speech. Anyone is free to kill.


In Memory of Khalid Balal and all journalists who have been killed in Sudan and South Sudan I wish we could stay on top of this story to find out what happened on that fateful day in El Fasher, North Darfur and why. People are murdering because they can, and they know they'll get away with it.


There is so much more to this story because Khalid leaves behind a shocked and grieving family and friends traumatised at such loss. 


If anyone finds any shred of news on this story and what happened please share here. Maybe Khalid's family have written an obituary. 


Rest In Peace Khalid Balal + + +"

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Today, I saw the following report regarding Khalid Balal.


From Sudan Tribune
Dated Wednesday, 6 March 2024 - here is a copy in full:

CPJ condemns killing of Sudanese journalist Khalid Balal

March 6, 2024 (NEW YORK) – The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Sudanese authorities to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for killing journalist Khalid Balal in Darfur region.


The body appealed to all parties to the conflict to respect members of the press.


“We are shocked by the brutal killing of journalist Khalid Balal in his own home by armed combatants,” said CPJ Middle East and North Africa Program Coordinator Sherif Mansour from Washington, D.C.


He added, “We urge the Sudanese authorities to promptly investigate Balal’s killing and ensure justice for this crime. All parties to the war in Sudan must respect journalists’ safety and cease killing members of the press who are civilians.”


On March 1, armed soldiers in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, shot and killed Balal, media director at the Sudanese government’s Supreme Council for Media and Culture, inside his home, according to news reports and two local journalists, who spoke with CPJ on the condition of anonymity, citing fear of reprisal.


According to sources, Balal was also a member of the local trade union, the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate.


CPJ was unable to determine which armed group was responsible for Balal’s killing.


Sudan plunged into chaos in April when clashes erupted in the capital, Khartoum, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).


The two local journalists attributed Balal’s death to his long career in journalism.


The journalists did not provide further details to CPJ, which will continue to investigate the circumstances of Balal’s death.


Meanwhile CPJ’s emails to the SAF and the RSF requesting comment on Balal’s death did not receive any replies.


CPJ is a New York-based non-governmental body that promotes press freedom and defends the rights of journalists. Since the late 1980s, the organization has been publishing an annual census of journalist killed or imprisoned for their work. (ST)


View original: https://sudantribune.com/article282977/

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POSTSCRIPT from Sudan Watch Editor:

At the same online networking platform a day ago, Hassan posted this photo and disturbing news from Sudanese Journalists Syndicate regarding Sudanese journalist Luay Abdelrahman:

"Journalist Luay Abdelrahman has recently been subjected to a fierce campaign on social media platforms. It has prominently appeared on pages affiliated with the Rapid Support Forces, and the campaign has taken various forms, including defamation, categorization, and character assassination. The campaign against journalist Luay intensified after he exposed the horrific human rights violations committed by the Rapid Support Forces against unarmed civilians in Al-Gazira state.

(Sudanese Journalists Syndicate)"

Photo: Sudanese journalist Mr Luay Abdelrahman 

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In reply to Hassan’s post I wrote and posted this comment:


"This is awful. I have just sent this message to Committee to Protect Journalists [...]: Dear CPJ, I remember you from many years ago, you once helped me when I was being threatened. Is there any way to intervene online in order to protect this journalist? Maybe threaten them with legal action or whatever tools you have had your disposal. Here is the post in my notifications page [...]. 

Kind regards, Ingrid J. Jones"

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END

Friday, March 01, 2024

Sudan: SAF & RSF clashes in Al Fasher, North Darfur displaces some people from Abu Shouk and As Salam

DTM (Displacement Tracking Matrix) Sudan Flash Alert - Update Sixteen
Dated Friday, 01 March 2024 - here is a copy:

Conflict in Al Fasher (Al Fasher Town), North Darfur

On 29 February 2024, clashes renewed between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Al Fasher Town of Al Fasher locality, North Darfur. As a result, field teams reported displacement from Abu Shock and As Salam IDP Camps to western neighbourhoods within Al Fasher Town. Estimates on the number of displaced individuals are yet to be provided by the field teams. In addition, one child was reportedly injured. The situation remains tense and unpredictable. 


Disclaimer: Due to the current circumstances, the DTM network is relying on remote interviews with key informants and further verification is not possible at this time.


*DTM Sudan Flash Alerts provide an initial estimation of affected population figures gathered from field reports. All information is therefore pending verification through DTM’s Emergency Event Tracking (EET) and/or registration activities and is not to be used as official figures.


Source: VIEW IN BROWSER

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Related


Sudan Watch - February 25, 2024

Sudan: SAF & RSF clashes in Al Fasher, North Darfur

On 23 and 24 February 2024, clashes renewed between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Al Fasher Town of Al Fasher locality, North Darfur. 

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/02/sudan-saf-rsf-clashes-in-al-fasher.html


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Sunday, February 25, 2024

Sudan: SAF & RSF clashes in Al Fasher, North Darfur

DTM (Displacement Tracking Matrix) Sudan Flash Alert - Update Fifteen
Dated Sunday, 25 February 2024 - here is a copy in full:

Conflict in Al Fasher (Al Fasher Town), North Darfur

On 23 and 24 February 2024, clashes renewed between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Al Fasher Town of Al Fasher locality, North Darfur. 


Field teams reported that the event led to widespread displacement from eastern to southern neighbourhoods within Al Fasher Town. 


Estimates on the number of displaced individuals are yet to be confirmed. The situation remains tense and unpredictable. 


DTM will continue to monitor the developments closely and will provide further information on displacement and population mobility across Sudan, on a weekly basis, via its Weekly Displacement Snapshot


Disclaimer: Due to the current circumstances, the DTM network is relying on remote interviews with key informants and further verification is not possible at this time.


*DTM Sudan Flash Alerts provide an initial estimation of affected population figures gathered from field reports. All information is therefore pending verification through DTM’s Emergency Event Tracking (EET) and/or registration activities and is not to be used as official figures.


Source: VIEW IN BROWSER

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Related


Sudan Watch - February 24, 2024

Sudan: Clashes erupted between the RSF and armed tribal groups in Um Kadadah locality, North Darfur

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/02/sudan-clashes-erupted-between-rsf-and.html

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Sudan Watch - February 22, 2024

Sudan: SIM card frenzy in Port Sudan amid blackouts. Map of Internet availability and connectivity in Sudan

Map showing Internet availability and network connection in Sudan 20 Feb 2024

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/02/sudan-sim-card-frenzy-in-port-sudan.html

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Sudan Watch - February 19, 2024

Sudan: Conflict in Al Fasher capital of N. Darfur State

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/02/sudan-conflict-in-al-fasher-town-north.html

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Sudan Watch - February 16, 2024

Situation Update Feb 2024: 10 months into conflict between SAF & RSF, war in Sudan is taking a new turn

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/02/situation-update-feb-2024-10-months.html

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Sudan Watch - February 14, 2024

Darfur tribal leaders agree with Sudanese Sheikh Musa Hilal to lead initiative to stop war in Sudan

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/02/darfur-tribal-leaders-agree-with.html

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Sudan Watch - February 08, 2024

Sudan hit by internet blackout as conflict continues

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/02/sudan-hit-by-internet-blackout-as.html

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END

Monday, February 19, 2024

Sudan: Conflict in Al Fasher capital of N. Darfur State

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: DTM (Displacement Tracking Matrix) Sudan's Early Warning Flash Alerts provides immediate updates on incidents and sudden displacement in Sudan. Here's one on North Darfur. 


To give some context, I've listed five reports including one of Hemeti, leader of Janjaweed RSF, aiming to turn Zurrug, North Darfur into a dream city. 


Hemeti is supported and equipped by several foreign countries. He spent much of the last 20 years terrorising and killing Sudanese people in Darfur, Sudan to force them off their land and make them too scared to return.


If memory serves, the Janjaweed were incentivised by Sudan's President Bashir who promised the militia leaders they could keep the land and what they looted for stopping Darfur rebels advancing and reaching Khartoum.


Sheikh Musa Hilal controls huge swathes of Sudan and protects millions of Sudanese, ruling with benevolence. He's an old-style warrior who, like Mr Bashir, does not believe in taking hand-outs as it is not part of their culture.


Reportedly, Hemeti has grand plans for Sudan's remote western province. He feels at home in Darfur. He didn't fit in with the elites in Khartoum. Fighting and killing to take and get what he wants is what he knows best.


Hemeti is semi-illiterateI saw footage of Messrs Burhan and Hemeti sitting next to each other at a meeting. While Hemeti lifted pages of a document, Gen Burhan's lengthy smiley sideways glance at Hemeti's hand was telling.


Surely, Sheikh Musa Hilal of North Darfur knows all about Hemeti's grand plans for North Darfur. Sheikh Hilal holds a lot of sway in North Darfur and beyond. Read more in the related reports posted here below.


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Flash alert from DTM

Dated Sunday, 18 February 2024 - here is a copy in full:


DTM Sudan Flash Alert: Conflict in Al Fasher (Al Fasher Town), North Darfur - Update Fourteen

On 16 February 2024, clashes renewed between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Al Fasher Town of Al Fasher locality, North Darfur. Reportedly, SAF conducted airstrikes targeting RSF positions across northern and eastern neighborhoods of Al Fasher Town. 

Field teams reported that the event led to widespread displacement. Affected households sought refuge in southern neighborhoods within Al Fasher Town. Estimates on the number of displaced individuals are yet to be confirmed. The situation remains tense and unpredictable. 

DTM is monitoring the situation closely and will provide further information on displacement and population mobility across Sudan, on a weekly basis, via its Weekly Displacement Snapshot.
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POSTCRIPT from Sudan Watch Editor

Just spent an hour down a rabbit hole of links and reading a dearth of word salads in an effort to find out who is behind DTM and how it is funded. I may be wrong, it appears that DTM and IOM are funded by the United Nations. 


Curiously, DTM website translates for English, Spanish, French but not Arabic, Swahili, Russian, Chinese or other languages. Why Spanish? I don't know. Here’s what I found and put in a nutshell:


IOM's (International Organisation for Migration) Global Data Institute (GDI), established in 2022, works to enhance the availability and use of data to achieve stronger governance outcomes and positive impacts for migrants and societies in line with IOM's Migration Data Strategy.  DTM (Displacement Tracking Matrix) is one of the founding pillars of the GDI, alongside the Global Migration Data Analysis Centre (GMDAC). 

The Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) https://dtm.iom.int gathers, analyses and disseminates information on the mobility, vulnerabilities, and needs of displaced and mobile populations.

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Related


Sudan Watch - February 16, 2024

Situation Update Feb 2024: 10 months into conflict between SAF & RSF, war in Sudan is taking a new turn

"The mobilisation of rebel groups and ethnic militias in North Darfur forced the RSF to avoid a direct confrontation. In Kordofan, a sustained collaboration between the SAF and al-Hilu may push the RSF out of Dilling and other areas where the al-Hilu faction of the SPLM-N holds sway. However, clashes between these collaborators elsewhere in South Kordofan add to the uncertainty of the situation." 

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/02/situation-update-feb-2024-10-months.html

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Sudan Watch - February 14, 2024

Darfur tribal leaders agree with Sudanese Sheikh Musa Hilal to lead initiative to stop war in Sudan

A civil delegation of tribal leaders in Darfur states announced that it has agreed with the head of the Revolutionary Awakening Council, Sheikh Musa Hilal, to lead a national initiative to stop the war between the army and the Rapid Support.  


The delegation, which included the principals of the tribes of Tarjum, Fallata and Rizeigat and notables of a number of tribes in the states of South, East, Central and West Darfur, visited Sheikh Musa Hilal in the suburb of Mistriha in North Darfur state, and the delegation spent about a week during which he held several meetings with notables of the region.

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/02/darfur-tribal-leaders-agree-with.html

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Sudan Watch - October 06, 2023

Sudan: Chief of Arab Rizeigat Mahameed clan to mediate between warring tribes in South Darfur















“Sheikh Musa Hilal will lead the initiative as head of the council and native administration* leader, along with other native administration notables and community figures from Darfur and some other states of Sudan”. A Revolutionary Awakening Council spokesperson said that “the root causes of the clashes need to be defined and addressed, to stop them forever”.

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2023/10/sudan-chief-of-arab-rizeigat-mahameed.html

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Sudan Watch - October 05, 2023

Sudan: RSF to turn Zurrug, N Darfur into a dream city

THE ruthless leader of Sudan's Arab militia has grand plans for the remote western province. But the transformation of Zurrug risks more unrest. Read more in this report from the archives of Sudan Watch, copied here in full.


Blood, sand and gold: victor’s city rises from ashes of Sudan’s civil war

Report from the The Observer - www.theguardian.com

Observer dispatch Darfur

By KLAAS VAN DIJKEN

Dated Saturday 29 February 2020, 17.05 GMT


Photo: Children at the school in Zurrug sing anti-racism songs that praise the Rapid Support Forces. Photograph: Klaas van Dijken/Lighthouse Reports

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2023/10/sudan-rsf-to-turn-zurrug-n-darfur-into.html

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Sudan Watch - December 21, 2023

Understanding the Sudanese Civil War. Muslim Brotherhood is to blame. Janjaweed's home is Darfur

"The first thing [Sudanese] Pastor Kuku says when I ask him about the situation [in Sudan] is that the Muslim Brotherhood is to blame. “As far as they are concerned, they must be in control,” he says. “No one is allowed to govern the country while they are around — the country will be ruined, or they rule it… They feel that anyone else who might rule are infidels.” 


The Brotherhood is an Islamic organization active in many countries. It supported the old dictator al-Bashir, and now supports his successor al-Burhan. The trouble is, Kuku says, the Brotherhood does not feel any sense of patriotism or belonging to Sudan. Their loyalty is to the Brotherhood. If they can rule Sudan, good — if not, let it be destroyed. If Sudan is ruined, they can move on. That’s their perspective.


The Janjaweed, which is currently occupying the capital Khartoum, isn’t any better. The Janjaweed just want to loot and pillage, in Kuku’s view. They don’t feel that they will get to keep Khartoum, so they want to destroy it out of envy and spite". Read more.

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2023/12/understanding-sudanese-civil-war-muslim.html

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UPDATE Wed 21 Feb 2024: changed title of this post from "Sudan: Conflict in Al Fasher Town, North Darfur" to "Sudan: Conflict in Al Fasher capital of North Darfur State"


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