Sudan journalists syndicate urge Egypt to release prominent editor

September 12, 2026 (CAIRO) – The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate on Saturday called on Egyptian authorities to immediately release Attaf Mohamed Mukhtar, the editor-in-chief of the Sudanese newspaper and news website Al-Sudani, who has been held in Egypt since earlier this week.

Mukhtar was taken into custody at dawn on Tuesday, Sept. 8, according to a statement issued by the syndicate.

The syndicate expressed deep concern over his continued detention and said it has been in regular contact with relevant Egyptian authorities to ascertain his condition and secure his release.

Mukhtar fled to Egypt following the outbreak of war in Sudan and has been an outspoken critic of the United Arab Emirates, accusing Abu Dhabi of providing backing and material support to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

While emphasizing its respect for Egyptian laws, the syndicate urged Cairo to clarify the legal grounds for Mukhtar’s detention, provide reasons for his confinement, and grant him immediate access to his family and legal counsel.

Egyptian authorities have not publicly commented on the reasons for Mukhtar’s detention.

The syndicate appealed to Egyptian authorities to end Mukhtar’s detention quickly and reunite him with his family, saying it continues to monitor the situation closely.