Sudan: Release of Seven Women Journalists and Activists Arbitrarily Detained in Nyala Requires Accountability

The release of seven women journalists and human rights defenders after approximately six months of detention by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nyala, South Darfur, is an important step toward restoring their rights,

but it does not end the violations arising from their detention. Their prolonged confinement without judicial safeguards, restrictions on contact with families and lawyers, and reported denial of adequate medical care require investigation, accountability, and effective redress.

Background

On 6 September 2026, Ishraqa Abdel Rahman, Manahil Mustafa El-Sanousi, Mawahib Ibrahim, Zahraa Mohamed El-Hassan, Ezdehar Abdelmonem Hamed, Magda Hassan Ali, and Sara Adam were released after approximately six months in RSF custody in Nyala.

The seven women were arrested from their homes following their participation in, or association with, a peaceful workshop addressing women's rights in national legislation and international instruments, including UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

They were reportedly taken to undisclosed locations without judicial orders or specific charges and without access to an independent judicial authority. Contact with their families and lawyers was also restricted. The concealment of their fate and whereabouts during part of their detention raises concerns under the international prohibition of enforced disappearance.

From the outset, demands for information about their fate and immediate release were raised by local and international organizations.

Reports also indicate that the health of some detainees deteriorated during their detention and that they were denied adequate medical care. These circumstances require independent review and appropriate medical follow-up following their release.

Institutional Position

Detention without judicial authorization, access to legal counsel, or meaningful judicial oversight violates fundamental safeguards against arbitrary deprivation of liberty. Where authorities conceal a detainee's fate or whereabouts and deny access to legal and family protections, the circumstances may also engage international safeguards against enforced disappearance.

The women's participation in a peaceful workshop concerning women's rights cannot constitute a legitimate basis for detention. Journalism, civic education, and peaceful human rights activity are protected forms of expression and association and must not be treated as security offences.

Release must also be unconditional. Any continuing surveillance, threats, restrictions, or risk of re-arrest would undermine the restoration of the rights violated during detention. The RSF must therefore remove any conditions imposed on the women and ensure their freedom of movement, expression, and professional activity without retaliation or harassment.

The reported deterioration in the health of some detainees and denial of adequate medical care also require appropriate redress. Each woman should have access, with her informed consent, to independent medical assessment and necessary treatment, including psychological and social support where requested, with full respect for privacy.

Applicable Legal Framework

Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) prohibits arbitrary detention and requires safeguards against unlawful deprivation of liberty, while Article 14 guarantees fair-trial rights before a competent, independent, and impartial tribunal and Article 19 protects freedom of expression. Article 10 requires humane treatment of persons deprived of liberty. The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED) prohibits enforced disappearance and requires investigation, accountability, and reparation where its elements are met. Articles 5, 6, and 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights protect personal integrity, liberty, and freedom of expression. Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions requires humane treatment of persons taking no active part in hostilities, including those detained in non-international armed conflicts. UN Security Council Resolution 1325 affirms the importance of protecting women in conflict and supporting their participation in peace and security processes, while the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders protects individuals engaged in peaceful human rights activity.

Demands Aligned with International Human Rights Principles

The release of the seven women must be followed by effective protection of their rights and meaningful accountability for violations committed during their detention. Freedom of expression, peaceful human rights activity, and the protection of women exercising these rights are legal obligations, not conditions that may be granted, restricted, or withdrawn at the discretion of an armed actor.

Women Journalists Without Chains

Geneva, Switzerland – September 25, 2026