Recent alerts received highlight a deeply concerning pattern of arbitrary detention, attacks, and judicial persecution targeting journalists and human rights defenders in Sudan and in the broader regional context.
Particular concern has been raised over the case of journalist Muammar Ibrahim, who was reportedly detained by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) while attempting to leave El-Fasher amid ongoing hostilities. The only publicly available information about his situation comes from videos circulated on social media. In one, he confirms his detention while surrounded by RSF fighters; in another, he states that he has been transferred to Nyala, South Darfur. Since then, no verified information has been provided regarding his health, legal status, or conditions of detention. He has reportedly been held incommunicado, without access to family or legal counsel, raising serious concerns about his safety and well-being.
Additional cases reinforce the risks faced by human rights defenders in the current context. On 5 November 2025, Al-Fadil Ismail Adam Abdelbari, known as “Awfy,” was arrested by RSF forces in Zalingei, Central Darfur. He was initially taken to an RSF intelligence facility and later transferred to Zalingei central prison, where he remains detained without charge or access to due process guarantees. His detention has been linked to his humanitarian and community-based work, including his involvement with local emergency response initiatives.
The judicial persecution of human rights defenders is also evident in the case of lawyer Abubakr Mansour Abdela. On 5 October 2025, he was sentenced to death by hanging by the Singa Criminal Court on charges related to alleged collaboration with the RSF. The decision was issued without public explanation and has raised serious concerns regarding the integrity of the proceedings, including the evaluation of evidence and adherence to fair trial standards. His sentencing followed an earlier ruling imposing a 20-year prison sentence and a substantial fine, both of which his legal team has challenged.
Beyond Sudan, attacks against defenders continue in exile. On 23 December 2025, human rights defender Hisham Ali Mohammad Ali was stabbed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in what appears to be a targeted attack. The assailant did not attempt to steal any belongings, and the motive remains unknown. Although initially reported to be in critical condition, he is now under medical supervision and recovering. The attack occurred in a context of ongoing harassment, including previous arrest and restrictions on his travel documents, which have left him and his family in a precarious situation.
Across these cases, a consistent pattern emerges: journalists and human rights defenders are being targeted through arbitrary detention, violence, and judicial measures. Many of those affected appear to have been singled out due to their peaceful work, including documenting human rights violations, providing legal assistance, or supporting their communities during conflict.
These developments raise serious concerns regarding respect for international human rights and humanitarian law, particularly the protection owed to civilians, including journalists, and the obligation to ensure humane treatment of detainees. They also underscore the increasingly dangerous environment for those working to document abuses and support affected populations in conflict settings.
