Sudan Doctors Network: RSF Detains 135 Medical, Academic Staff in El Geneina

EL GENEINA – The Rapid Support Forces are holding at least 135 medical and academic personnel in detention facilities across El Geneina, West Darfur, the Sudan Doctors Network said on Wednesday, raising concerns over their safety and the impact on essential services.

The network said those detained include 47 medical personnel and 88 teachers and university professors.

According to information received by the group, detainees are being held at several sites, including the former headquarters of the U.N.-African Union Mission in Darfur, facilities within the headquarters of the 15th Infantry Division and Ardamata Prison.

The claims could not be independently verified, and the RSF had not publicly responded to the allegations in the information available.

The network said civilians, including women and children, were also reportedly being held at the facilities and called for humanitarian and human rights organizations to be granted access to assess detention conditions.

It warned that removing dozens of healthcare workers from service was worsening an already severe shortage of qualified medical personnel in conflict-affected areas of West Darfur.

The group said the detentions could deprive thousands of residents of access to essential healthcare at a time when the health system is under severe pressure.

The Sudan Doctors Network called on the RSF to disclose the whereabouts of all detainees, allow contact with their families and ensure access to medical care.

It also called for the release of detainees who have not been charged with internationally recognized criminal offences or brought before competent courts under fair-trial standards.

The network urged the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross and international human rights organizations to monitor detention conditions and press for protection of detainees’ rights.

El Geneina and surrounding areas of West Darfur have experienced some of the war’s most severe violence and displacement since fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF began in April 2023.