Journalist survives an assassination attempt

Local sources in El-Fasher, North Darfur, reported that journalist Nasr Yaqoub was the victim of an assassination attempt by an officer in the Joint Force affiliated with the Armed Movements -and allied with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The attempt took place while he was at his workplace in the market of Abu Shouk Camp for internally displaced persons.

According to his testimony, Yaqoub survived an imminent death after the officer, a captain, shot him with his pistol following a dispute over a Starlink device used to provide internet service.

Yaqoub explained that the officer demanded that he hand over the device, known locally as “Wi-Fi,” and when he refused, the officer promptly shot him in front of a number of citizens. He explained, “If it weren’t for the grace of God, he would have succeeded in killing me.” The journalist added that the repeated attacks by members of the Armed Movements have become a direct threat to citizens, noting that some members of the Joint Force are using their authority in the market to confiscate and loot property under unjustified security pretexts.

Most areas in Darfur rely on Starlink devices to provide internet access, given the complete collapse that affected the communications infrastructure as a result of the ongoing conflict. The aforementioned devices are operated by a number of citizens through commercial stores. However, their owners face a certain amount of bias from the Joint Force’s Intelligence Service, which prohibits the devices’ operation for security reasons, while allowing its personnel to use them exclusively, according to local reports.

A Starlink store owner, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that the Military Intelligence in El-Fasher remains silent in regards to these violations, raising serious concerns about the spread of illegal practices in the absence of official oversight. He noted that internet services in the market of Abu ShoukIDPs Camp have been completely shut down since the journalist was shot, impacting communications and services in the area.

For his part, journalist Nasr Yaqoub has initiated legal action against the perpetrator with the relevant authorities, amidst calls from media and human rights organizations to provide protection for journalists and hold accountable those involved in attacks targeting freedom of expression and the safety of individuals in the field of information.