Jebel Marra, July 28 (Darfur24)
Families of detainees held at the Jawa camp run by the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) led by Abdul Wahid Mohamed Nour have called for an independent international investigation into alleged abuses at the facility, including torture, prolonged detention, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings.
Batoul Mohamed Abubakr Rashid, the mother of detainee Mohamed Abdullah Musa, told Darfur24 that families had contacted the international organizations in an effort to determine the whereabouts of their relatives and secure their release. She said those efforts had so far failed, accusing the movement of denying that the detainees were being held and threatening anyone who spoke publicly about the issue.
She added that the families had begun legal proceedings through lawyers to file cases before international judicial bodies.
Jamila Arbab Ahmed Shata, the mother of detainee Al-Hafiz Qumbal, told Darfur24 that her son has been held for more than six years without charge and without being allowed to communicate with his family.
She alleged that the movement’s authorities have prevented families from learning the whereabouts of detained relatives or obtaining information about their condition.
Last week, relatives of the detainees issued a statement claiming that more than 75 people remain held at the detention centre, some for more than 13 years and others for more than five years without charge or trial.
The statement also alleged that a mass escape attempt from the facility resulted in the discovery of 13 bodies, while 26 detainees remain missing. It said 25 escapees were recaptured and 21 others managed to reach safe areas.
The families called for an independent international investigation, the disclosure of the fate of the missing, protection for survivors, and accountability for anyone found responsible for the alleged violations under international law.
The demands come after the SLM recently expelled several of its members, including Ibrahim Mahajer Abdel Aal Adam, head of the movement’s Council of Churches. Those expelled said they were dismissed because they objected to the movement’s policy of detaining members.
Darfur24 was unable to obtain comment from the leadership of the Sudan Liberation Movement led by Abdul Wahid Mohamed Nour regarding the allegations.