Sudanese Lawyers Condemn Arrests of Activists and Human Rights Defenders

The Democratic Front for Sudanese Lawyers has strongly condemned the detentions of attorneys, activists, and human rights defenders by the Sudanese Army's military intelligence in various regions, including Al-Abyad, Sennar, and other areas. The detentions were made on charges of collaborating with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group involved in the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

The lawyers' group denounced the detentions as an attempt to silence critique of the Sudanese government's violence and repression, and an infringement of human rights. They called for the immediate release of those detained and demanded that the Sudanese authorities respect the rights of lawyers, activists, and human rights defenders to carry out their legitimate activities without fear of reprisals.

Why this matters: The detentions highlight the deteriorating human rights situation in Sudan amidst the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF. The singling out of civil society and suppression of dissent raises concerns about the state of democracy and rule of law in the country.

The detentions come as part of the broader violence and conflict in Sudan, which has created the largest displacement crisis globally. The UN has warned that the worsening violence in Darfur threatens to unleash bloody intercommunal strife, putting 800,000 civilians in El Fasher at severe and imminent risk. Nearly 25 million people, half of Sudan's population, need aid and some eight million have fled their homes.

The conflict, which started in April 2022 between two disgruntled generals, has drawn in other armed actors across Sudan, leading to widespread violence, famine, and displacement. The international community has been criticized for inadequately focusing on the crisis, with only 5% of the 2024 humanitarian response plan for Sudan funded thus far. Donors have pledged more than $2 billion for conflict-ridden Sudan at a conference in Paris.

The UN has warned of a further escalation in violence and potential atrocities against humanity, as parties to the conflict arm civilians and more armed groups join the fighting. The Democratic Front for Sudanese Lawyers has called on the international community to take urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis and protect civilians in Sudan.

Key Takeaways

• Sudanese lawyers condemn detentions of activists and rights defenders by military.
• Detentions aim to silence critique of government violence and repress civil society.
• Conflict in Sudan has led to largest global displacement crisis, 25M need aid.
• UN warns of potential atrocities as conflict escalates, international response lacking.
• Lawyers call for release of detainees and protection of civil society in Sudan.