The five women were reportedly arrested in February after attending a workshop focused on women’s rights and the role of women in peacebuilding.
Sudanese Journalists Syndicate Chairperson Abdelmoneim Abu Idris said the detainees were released only after growing concern from journalists’ organisations and human rights groups over their welfare. “They have been arrested with no reason,” Abu Idris said.
According to information received by the syndicate, two of the women experienced health problems while in detention, including significant weight loss and recurring fever. “There was concern about their health because they didn’t get good medical treatment, or they didn’t get medical treatment,” Abu Idris said.
The journalists were reportedly held in poor conditions alongside large numbers of other detainees. “The conditions in RSF custody are very bad,” Abu Idris said. “No medical care. Even from their arrest in February, they didn’t see their families or their lawyers.”
The syndicate has not yet been able to speak directly to the women since their release because of communication difficulties in Nyala.
Abu Idris said the workshop attended by the women discussed women’s rights and women’s role in promoting peace. He believes this may have attracted the attention of the RSF, which has faced repeated allegations of abuses against women during the conflict.
The releases come as Sudan’s humanitarian crisis continues to deepen during the fourth year of war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF.
Abu Idris said many journalists face intimidation, detention and violence. Showing a press card at checkpoints in areas previously controlled by the RSF could result in questioning, arrest or assault.
The conflict has also devastated education. Abu Idris said about 5 million Sudanese children were currently out of school.
He said many universities remained closed, while families with the means to do so had sought refuge in neighbouring countries to allow children to continue their education.
Despite periodic reports of possible negotiations between the warring sides, Abu Idris said many Sudanese had lost confidence in peace efforts.
“I think the Sudanese people now have lost hope,” Abu Idris said, adding that both sides appeared determined to pursue their own conditions for ending the conflict.
Abu Idris also expressed concern that Sudan’s crisis was receiving limited international attention despite mass displacement, widespread detention and continuing humanitarian needs.
–ChannelAfrica–
