The Sudan Doctors Network said on Wednesday that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia is detaining dozens of professional personnel in the city of El Geneina, in West Darfur State, expressing grave concern over the conditions of their detention, their safety, and their humanitarian circumstances.
According to information received by the network, the detainees include 47 medical personnel, in addition to 88 teachers and university professors. They are being held in several detention facilities across El Geneina, including the former headquarters of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), detention centers within the headquarters of the 15th Infantry Division, and Ardamata Prison.
In a statement, the network emphasized that detaining healthcare workers deprives thousands of citizens of medical services they urgently need, particularly amid the severe deterioration of the healthcare sector and the shortage of qualified personnel in conflict-affected areas.
The network also expressed concern over the humanitarian and health conditions of detainees in these facilities, particularly in light of reports indicating that civilians, including women and children, are also being held in detention centers. It said this situation requires allowing the relevant humanitarian and human rights organizations to visit the detainees, assess their conditions, and ensure that they receive the necessary healthcare.
The network called on the RSF to disclose the whereabouts of all detainees, allow them to communicate with their families, ensure they receive the necessary medical care, and release all those who have not been charged with legally recognized offenses or brought before fair judicial proceedings.
It also urged international human rights organizations, the United Nations, and the International Committee of the Red Cross to monitor the conditions of the detainees and exert pressure to ensure their safety and respect for their fundamental rights.
