Journalists have always faced violent and hostile situations. CNN journalist Clarissa Ward and her crew were detained by a militia in North Darfur for 48 hours, putting their resilience to the test. This was highlighting the dangers journalists face in conflict zones.The crew sought to report on Sudan’s humanitarian crisis. The militia accused the journalists of espionage and interrogated them without disclosing their true intentions.
The Ordeal in North Darfur
Clarissa Ward, CNN’s chief international correspondent, risked her life to report on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan. She and her crew, cameraman Scott McWhinnie and producer Brent Swails, traveled to North Darfur in early October. They planned to visit Tawila, a neutral town in Sudan’s civil war, to interact with refugees and reveal the harsh realities on the ground. They were, however, apprehended by a militia and detained for 48 hours.
The kidnappers, led by a figure only known as the “general,” accused Ward and her team of espionage. They interrogated the crew while concealing their identities and motivations. “Answered their questions but got no information in return: who these men were or what they wanted with us,” Ward recounted. The situation deteriorated when they were detained outside, sleeping under acacia trees and guarded by soldiers as young as 14.
Two weeks ago, our team was held captive by a militia in Darfur. As a journalist, one never wants to become the story. But I wanted to write this because in some ways our experience tells a bigger story of the complexities of the situation in Darfur and the challenges of getting…
— Clarissa Ward (@clarissaward) October 23, 2024
The Struggles of Reporting in Conflict Zones
Ward and her team’s challenges highlight the dangers that journalists face in conflict zones such as Sudan. Ward was particularly uncomfortable as the only woman, limiting her food and water intake due to a lack of privacy.
“For the next 48 hours, we were held under armed guard…Our detention was spent out in the open, underneath acacia trees,” Ward described the ordeal. The risk was palpable when the general displayed erratic behavior, at one point firing a rifle, further adding to their distress.
Despite the danger, Ward successfully negotiated their release, fervently pleading for their freedom by mentioning her children. “I am a mother. I have three little boys,” Ward reminded their captors, emphasizing her vulnerability. After several hours of absence, the general eventually returned, stating, “We thought you were spies but now you can go home.” As a final attempt to humanize their encounter, Ward and her cameraman posed for a photo with the security chief before leaving.
#Sudan: Women Press Freedom condemns the unjust 48-hour detention of @CNN chief international correspondent @clarissaward and her team in North Darfur by rival militia. They faced threats, lengthy interrogations, and their driver was taken away in chains. They were held under… pic.twitter.com/ArdiBvk1JQ
— #WomenInJournalism (@CFWIJ) October 23, 2024
Humanitarian Crisis in Focus
Beyond personal anguish, the situation brought to light Sudan’s humanitarian crisis. Since the civil war began in April 2023, an estimated 20,000 people have died, with many more injured or displaced.
Ward’s mission to report on these issues emphasizes the importance of ongoing media attention and international aid. Sudan’s conflict demands global attention, as millions of people suffer as a result of warfare, poverty, and displacement.
Ward’s encounter with the North Darfur militia is a testament to the courage and determination of journalists who risk their lives to inform the world about crises often overlooked.
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