Khartoum, September 28 (Darfur24)

Several former detainees at the western Dabba gate in Northern State have accused security forces of committing violations against travelers arriving from Darfur, including arbitrary detention, searches, and confiscation of personal belongings.

Abdullah Osman Musa told Darfur24 that upon arriving from Nyala last August, he was stopped, searched, and detained for 24 hours. His phones and money were confiscated, and he was ordered to remain in Dabba until investigations were completed.

“After a week of investigations while at the cell, I was given my phones and money back,” he added.

A trader who requested anonymity said travelers from Nyala and Al-Da’ein face thorough searches and are often accused of cooperating with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He said he was taken from a truck to the Military Intelligence building of the 73rd Brigade after RSF videos were found on his phone. He was charged under Articles 50 and 51 of the Penal Code despite explaining that the videos were automatically shared in WhatsApp groups. He was released after 21 days when witnesses, who included his family members, confirmed he had no RSF ties.

Umm Ayman, another former detainee, said she was arrested at the gate because of a Facebook post calling for peace. She was searched by female officers, interrogated about the gold she carried, and accused of maintaining links with the RSF. She was released after a week through contacts who intervened on her behalf.

She added that dozens of women are currently being detained in Northern State on charges of espionage or collaboration with the RSF.