Nyala, September 07 (Darfur24)
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have released several female journalists and activists detained for more than six months after participating in a women’s rights workshop in Nyala, South Darfur State, last February, according to sources who spoke to Darfur24.
Those reportedly released include broadcaster Ishraqah Abdel Rahman, Dr. Manahil Mustafa Al-Sanousi, director of Al-Manhal Center for Training and Capacity Building, radio broadcaster Mawaheb Ibrahim and human rights activist Magda Hassan Ali.
Darfur24 could not independently confirm the release of radio broadcaster Zahraa Mohamed Al-Hassan, Azhar Abdel Moneim, and human rights activist Sarah Adam.
The RSF detained the women from their homes in March, using combat vehicles and personnel in civilian clothing, according to previous reports. They were taken to undisclosed locations, with no official explanation for their detention or information about their whereabouts until their release.
A participant in the February workshop said “Women Journalists for Peace” and “We Speak” organized it, and that 25 people attended.
The workshop focused on women’s rights under national laws and international conventions, including UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
The prolonged detention of the women had raised concerns among journalists and human rights activists over the safety and treatment of civilians detained by armed groups in areas under RSF control.