Sudan activists demand release of Nubian Gathering leader

January 21, 2026 (DONGOLA) – Sudanese lawyers, politicians and civil society activists launched a campaign on Wednesday calling for the release of Ahmed Shifa, head of the Nubian Gathering, after what they called politically motivated criminal charges.

Police filed charges against Shifa, a pharmacist, in July 2025 for inciting discontent among armed forces and disturbing public peace, following allegations he insulted a member of the Al-Baraa bin Malik Battalion killed in combat in Kordofan.

More than 100 legal professionals, journalists and activists said in a statement that the trial was “malicious,” noting that the battalion filed the complaint even though it lacked legal standing. They said Shifa was targeted for his calls to end the war.

Proceedings began on January 14 at Dongola Criminal Court, where armed members of the battalion, which is linked to the Islamic Movement, were present in the courtroom, the statement said.

The activists said armed men inside the courtroom had their fingers on triggers while others were barred from entry, intimidating judges, lawyers and attendees.

The campaign called on human rights groups to intervene to halt proceedings, warning the judiciary was being used to settle scores with peace advocates using the slogan “No to War.”