The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has issued a stern condemnation following the tragic death of journalist Alnor Suleiman Alnor, who was killed during a drone strike on his home in El Fasher, a city currently under siege in Sudan’s North Darfur region. The attack, which took place last Friday, has stirred international concern and prompted calls for a thorough investigation.

Alnor, a prominent figure in local media and the Media Director in the North Darfur Governor's office, succumbed to his injuries a day after the strike, despite being rushed to the only operational hospital in El Fasher. His death marks a grim tally as the 32nd journalist to be killed since the onset of the civil war in Sudan, according to statistics from the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate (SJS).

An anonymous source informed CPJ that there is a belief among local journalists that Alnor's home was deliberately targeted by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This claim adds to the growing fear among the journalist community in Sudan, which faces increasing threats and attacks.

The violence surrounding Alnor's death did not abate during his funeral, which was marred by ongoing aerial bombardments, making it nearly impossible for mourners to gather, as reported by Alnor's colleague Mohammed Ahmed to Al-Jazeera.

In response to this and other attacks on the press, Sara Qudah, CPJ's Regional Director, emphasized the urgent need for accountability. "Sudanese authorities must swiftly investigate whether Alnor was targeted for his reporting and hold those responsible to account," Qudah stated. She further called on all parties involved in the conflict to cease targeting journalists and ensure their safety, allowing them to cover the ongoing war effectively.

The CPJ's call to action resonates against a backdrop of increasing hostility towards journalists in Sudan, which has seen legislative changes that bolster the powers of the General Intelligence Service amidst the civil war. These changes have led to greater impunity for its members and heightened surveillance, threatening press freedom and safety.

Further complicating the safety of journalists is the RSF’s January statement, which accused journalists of engaging in mercenary activities, a claim that has been strongly denounced by the SJS and international press freedom organizations.

As the conflict continues, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will safeguard journalists and uphold the principles outlined in the 1949 Geneva Conventions (Additional Protocol I) Article 79, which protects journalists in conflict zones. The ongoing crisis places not only the reporters' safety at risk but also the critical role of free and fair journalism in maintaining informed societies, particularly during times of conflict.