Nyala, March 05 (Darfur24)
Intelligence officers affiliated with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have arrested several women activists in Nyala, South Darfur, following their participation in a workshop on women’s rights, according to multiple sources.
Sources told Darfur24 that those detained include broadcaster Ishraqah Abdulrahman, Dr. Manahil Mustafa Al-Sanousi, director of Al-Manhal Center for Training and Capacity Building, radio presenter Zahraa Muhammad Al-Hassan, as well as Mawaheb Ibrahim and Azhar Abdul-Moneim Hamed.
One activist said the arrests were carried out at the women’s homes by personnel arriving in combat vehicles and others in civilian clothing. The detainees were reportedly taken to an undisclosed location, with no official statement issued regarding the reasons for their arrest or their whereabouts.
According to a participant, the workshop, organized by Women Journalists for Peace and “We Speak,” brought together 25 attendees to discuss women’s rights under national laws and international frameworks, particularly UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.
The source added that the Al-Manhal Center, which hosted the event, had previously seen the arrest of its director on February 23, along with others.
The workshop was held under the supervision of the Sudanese Women’s Development Organization and supported by the “Travel World” organization. It concluded with recommendations focused on women’s economic empowerment, strengthening legal protections, expanding women’s participation in political and economic life, and increasing awareness initiatives.
Darfur24 was unable to obtain immediate comment from the RSF regarding the reported arrests.