Freelance journalist Mohamed Suleiman Hamed Atyam went missing on October 26, 2025, during the capture of El-Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, according to two local journalists who are following the case who spoke to CPJ on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal.
As of November 4, Atyam was confirmed to be in a safer location and was in contact with colleagues; he had fled El-Fasher during the RSF’s assault, the two journalists said.
Atyam is currently a freelancer, but before the war he contributed to local news websites Jubraka News and Al-Rakoba. He was among several journalists and media workers who went missing after the RSF seized the city.
CPJ contacted the RSF through its website to request comment on Atyam’s whereabouts, in case he was in RSF custody, but did not receive a response.