Sudan armed group detains journalist, CPJ demands release

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 6 August 2026 |  JP Global Monitoring

CPJ demanded immediate release of journalist Alrayah Isam Gaksa after he was stopped entering Wad Madani on Aug. 2 while covering Al-Jazirah University and taken to an undisclosed location. Sudan Shield Forces say they detained a person on security grounds.

Summary

KHARTOUM — The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for the immediate release of Sudanese freelance journalist Alrayah Isam Gaksa after he was detained by the Sudan Shield Forces, an armed group allied with the Sudanese Armed Forces, in the latest reported attack on media freedom amid the country's civil war.

According to CPJ, Gaksa was stopped at the entrance to Wad Madani on August 2 after returning from covering activities at the Faculty of Education of Al-Jazirah University. He was reportedly taken to an undisclosed location, and his whereabouts remain unknown. The press freedom organization urged the Sudan Shield Forces to release him immediately and respect the rights of journalists working in conflict zones.

Press groups condemn detention

The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate condemned the detention, describing it as part of an escalating pattern of violations against journalists since Sudan's conflict erupted in April 2023. The union said media workers continue to face arrests, intimidation, and restrictions while attempting to report on developments across the country.

The Sudan Shield Forces denied arresting a journalist but acknowledged detaining an individual on allegations related to national security. The group did not identify the detainee or disclose where the individual was being held, leaving uncertainty over Gaksa's condition and legal status.

Civil war continues to endanger reporters

Sudan has become one of the world's most dangerous environments for journalists since fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in April 2023. Reporters covering the conflict have faced detention, harassment, attacks, and severe restrictions on access to affected areas, while international press freedom organizations have repeatedly warned that the shrinking space for independent reporting is limiting public access to reliable information.

CPJ said journalists are civilians under international humanitarian law and should not be targeted or arbitrarily detained because of their work. The organization urged all parties to Sudan's conflict to ensure journalists can report safely and without interference, stressing that independent reporting is essential for documenting events and informing the public during armed conflict.

ATTRIBUTION: Based on a public statement issued by the Committee to Protect Journalists and additional publicly available statements from the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate and the Sudan Shield Forces.

PHOTO: Credit withheld/circulated by CPJ