Egypt: Journalists syndicate urges release of prominent editor

Attaf Mohamed Mukhtar, editor-in-chief of the Sudanese newspaper and news website Al-Sudani, has been detained in Egypt since September 8th, with the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate demanding that the authorities immediately release him, according to the Sudan Tribune on September 12th. 

Mukhtar fled after the outbreak of conflict in Sudan, seeking refuge in Egypt. Since then, he has been an outspoken critic of the United Arab Emirates for providing material support and backing to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the paramilitary group fighting the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

The syndicate is worried about Mukhtar’s continued detention and has been reaching out to the relevant Egyptian authorities to determine his condition and secure his release. They have also urged Cairo to clarify the legal grounds for his detention and confinement, as well as grant him immediate access to his legal counsel and family.  However, they have not made any public comments regarding Mukhtar’s arrest. 

His detention comes amid wider concerns over press freedom and political expression in Egypt. Egyptian Journalist Sayed Saber was jailed after publishing critical material on social media, reflecting broader concerns over the detention of journalists, online commentators and content creators in the country. More recently, the release of blogger Mohamed Ibrahim Radwan after six years behind bars highlighted concerns over prolonged detention and restrictions on freedom of expression. 

Mukhtar’s case also comes against the backdrop of Egypt’s increasingly complex involvement in the Sudan conflict. Cairo has generally supported the SAF, while viewing the war through the lens of its own security interests and regional influence. This position has also placed Egypt at odds with regional actors taking a different approach to the conflict. A recent UN investigation reported by Maghrebi.org found networks involving the UAE, Chad, Libya and Somalia which supplied the RSF with weapons, equipment, logistics, training and foreign personnel.

The circumstances surrounding Mukhtar’s detention remain unclear, leaving questions about whether his case is connected to his political views or broader regional tensions. The syndicate’s call for transparency and due process is likely to keep attention focused on Egypt’s treatment of Sudanese journalists and dissidents.

Maghrebi.org, Sudan Tribune