Sudanese syndicate demands release of detained women journalists in South Darfur

July 29, 2026 (NYALA) – The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate expressed grave concern on Wednesday over the severe deterioration in the health of three women journalists held by the Rapid Support Forces in Nyala, South Darfur, and demanded their immediate release.

Broadcaster Ishraga Abdel Rahman along with radio reporters Zahra Mohamed El Hassan and Mawahib Ibrahim are suffering from worsening medical conditions alongside several female civic activists detained with them, the syndicate said in a statement.

The union received confirmed reports that the detainees face dire conditions without appropriate medical care, while detention centre managers refuse to permit external hospital treatment despite their declining health.

RSF paramilitaries arrested the journalists and activists on Feb. 28, 2026, following their participation in a women’s rights workshop organized by local feminist groups in Nyala.

They remain in custody without formal charges or legal proceedings.

The syndicate called on the RSF to grant an immediate, unconditional release to all detained journalists and activists, allow access to urgent medical care, and enable contact with families and lawyers.

Targeting female journalists represents part of a broader campaign to silence the media and obstruct the flow of information from conflict zones, the statement added.

Holding the RSF legally and morally responsible for the safety of the detainees, the syndicate urged international human rights and press freedom organizations to intervene urgently.