LONDON: Sudan’s state news agency’s bureau chief Taj Al-Sir Ahmed Suleiman was killed by the Rapid Support Fighters paramilitary in El-Fasher, with media watchdogs describing the news as “shocking.”
The Committee to Protect Journalists said they were “appalled” by Suleiman’s killing, calling for an urgent investigation into what it described as an apparent execution of the journalist and his brother by an RSF fighter.
“Sudanese authorities must urgently investigate this killing and hold those responsible to account,” said CPJ Chief Programs Officer Carlos Martinez de la Serna. “All parties to the conflict must stop targeting journalists and civilians and immediately ensure the safety of members of the press.”
Suleiman worked for the Sudanese News Agency, or SUNA, reporting on developments in El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State. He went missing after RSF fighters claimed control of the city in late October following an 18-month siege.
El-Fasher had been the group’s final major obstacle to controlling all of Darfur and establishing a parallel administration in the region.
SUNA announced on Thursday that Suleiman was killed in the Al-Daraga neighborhood when RSF fighters entered his home and allegedly executed him and his brother.
Sudanese Information Minister Khalid Al-Ayesir confirmed the death on Friday, adding that several media workers detained after the city’s takeover had been transferred to Nyala in South Darfur.
“Suleiman remained steadfast in the values and principles of his profession under the most difficult circumstances, up until the moment of his death, after he went missing following the entry of the rebel militia into the city,” he said.
He also appealed to international organizations for the protection of journalists to intervene.
A Sudanese journalist said Suleiman’s disappearance and killing have had “a devastating impact” on independent reporting from North Darfur.
#Sudan: CPJ is shocked by reports that journalist Taj Al-Sir Mohamed Suleima, SUNA bureau chief, and his brother were killed inside their home in El-Fasher. We are investigating this horrific attack and urge authorities to hold those responsible to account. https://t.co/WYWVWyekfs
— CPJ MENA (@CPJMENA) November 28, 2025
The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate described the assassination as part of a pattern of “serious, repeated abuses” against civilians and journalists in Darfur and other regions.
It expressed “deep concern” over journalist Moammar Ibrahim, detained by the RSF in Nyala, holding the group fully responsible for his safety.
The union called for an urgent international investigation, accountability for those responsible, and the immediate release of Ibrahim and all detained journalists.
Since the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF began in April 2023, CPJ has documented the killing of at least 15 journalists and media workers in Sudan.
Journalists in El-Fasher have faced abductions, disappearances, sexual violence, and deadly attacks amid a communications blackout and severe shortages of food, medical care, and safe shelter.
