Femena expresses grave concern over the reported arbitrary arrest and detention of seven women human rights defenders (WHRDs) and journalists in Nyala, South Darfur, by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). According to reports, those detained include Azhar Abdel Salam, Ishraga Abdulrahman, Magda, Dr. Manahel Mustafa, Mawahib Ibrahim, Sara Adam, and Zahraa Mohamed Al-Hassan. Their arrests are reportedly related to their involvement in or their attendance at a women’s rights workshop on international conventions held in January 2026. The arrests come amid growing reports of abuse, including sexual violence and intimidation, against civilians in RSF-controlled areas, where the civic space has been significantly curtailed.
We condemn the arbitrary arrest and detention of these women human rights defenders, who were reported to have been arrested without warrants or any form of due process. Such arrests reflect a disturbing trend involving intimidation of WHRDs and journalists using their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and organization. Femena is deeply concerned about the conditions under which the women are held in custody, including the denial of contact with their relatives and lawyers, as well as access to information regarding their health.
Femena further condemns the targeting of peaceful women human rights defenders for their legitimate work, including participation in a workshop on women’s rights. No one should be punished for documenting abuses or advocating for equality and justice.
We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all the WHRDs and journalists currently under detention and urge that they be granted immediate access to legal support, medical care, and their families.
We also call for an independent and transparent investigation into these arrests and the treatment of those detained, and we urge accountability for all those responsible. Above all, women human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society actors in Sudan must be protected, not persecuted.