Sudanese rights group Emergency Lawyers splits amid leadership dispute

March 15, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s Emergency Lawyers group has formally split into two factions following a leadership struggle that saw the executive office expel three members who had moved to dissolve the current administration.

The executive office announced on Sunday the dismissal of Noon Kashkoush, Hanan Hassan, and Suhair Saeed Adam. It accused them of violating the organization’s bylaws and undermining its unity.

The office stated that the move was essential to preserve organizational integrity and discipline. It added that the expelled members have 15 days to appeal the decision.

Kashkoush told Sudan Tribune that the expulsion was a retaliatory move following a general assembly meeting that withdrew confidence in the executive office and elected a new leadership team. She acknowledged the internal division but emphasized the group’s commitment to transparency.

The general assembly issued a statement on Saturday regarding a meeting held on March 9 to review the status of the executive office appointed in 2024. It announced that it had dismissed the remaining members and elected a new 13-member body.

The assembly urged all stakeholders to cease dealings with the former executive office, asserting that its members no longer held any official or legal capacity.

According to the assembly, the previous leadership had failed to submit performance or financial reports during its tenure. It also claimed the office lost its legal quorum after eight of its 13 members resigned or left, leaving only five members to manage operations.

The assembly further alleged that the executive office had ignored repeated calls to convene a meeting to renew its mandate, leading to a paralysis of the organization’s work.

The Emergency Lawyers group has been a prominent voice in documenting human rights violations against civilians in Sudan. The organization is well-known for providing free legal defence to victims appearing before the courts.