Sudanese Journalists Syndicate: Demands RSF Journalist Release Amid Disappearances

• The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate demanded the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) release journalists Mustafa Fadl Al-Mawla and Muammar Ibrahim by October 21, 2026.
• The Syndicate also sought information on the fate of four other journalists who are forcibly disappeared.
• Mustafa Fadl Al-Mawla has been held by the RSF since September 2023 with no contact or information about his conditions.
• Muammar Ibrahim has been detained by the RSF since October 2025 and reportedly suffered serious health deterioration without medical care in May.
• The Syndicate warned that targeting journalists undermines press freedom, the public's right to knowledge, and access to truth during the conflict.

The continued arbitrary detention and forced disappearance of journalists by the RSF raise serious concerns under international humanitarian law and human rights conventions.

The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate issued a direct appeal to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on October 21, 2026, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of two prominent journalists, Mustafa Fadl Al-Mawla and Muammar Ibrahim. The Syndicate further called for clarity regarding the whereabouts and fate of four additional journalists who are currently classified as forcibly disappeared. This urgent plea highlights the escalating concerns over the safety and freedom of media professionals amidst the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

Mustafa Fadl Al-Mawla has been held in detention by the RSF since September 2023. Disturbingly, there has been no information provided about his location or the conditions of his confinement, and his family has been unable to establish any contact with him since his arrest. This lack of communication and transparency underscores a severe breach of fundamental rights for those in custody.

Similarly, Muammar Ibrahim has been in RSF custody since October 2025, with his circumstances remaining unknown and his family also denied any contact. The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate had previously reported in May that Ibrahim was experiencing a serious decline in health while detained in an RSF facility in Nyala, located in South Darfur State, and was being deprived of essential medical care. The Syndicate's demands emphasize the critical need for the RSF to uphold human rights and ensure the well-being of all detainees.

The cases of Mustafa Fadl Al-Mawla and Muammar Ibrahim, alongside the four other journalists whose fates remain unknown, point to a troubling pattern of Sudan press freedom violations. The Rapid Support Forces have been implicated in numerous instances of arbitrary detention and forced disappearance journalists Sudan, creating a climate of fear and severely impeding the ability of the press to report freely and accurately. The Syndicate's statement underscores that such actions directly undermine the public's right to knowledge and access to information.

The Syndicate has voiced profound concern regarding the physical and psychological well-being of journalists held in RSF detention centers. These facilities are reportedly characterized by a deteriorating health environment and a severe lack of medical provisions, exacerbating the risks faced by detainees. The specific mention of Muammar Ibrahim's serious health deterioration and the denial of medical attention serves as a stark example of the inhumane conditions reported.

This systematic targeting and suppression of journalists by the RSF not only silences individual voices but also restricts the flow of vital information and diverse opinions within the country. In a time of conflict, the ability of journalists to report independently is crucial for accountability and for the public to understand the realities on the ground, making these detentions and disappearances particularly damaging to the fabric of society.

The actions attributed to the Rapid Support Forces, including the Mustafa Fadl Al-Mawla detention RSF and the Muammar Ibrahim RSF disappearance, represent significant Rapid Support Forces human rights Sudan violations. The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate unequivocally stated that targeting journalists directly undermines the fundamental principles of press freedom and the societal right to accurate information. Such practices severely limit the dissemination of news and diverse perspectives, making it increasingly difficult to ascertain the truth amid the ongoing conflict.

The continued arbitrary detention and forced disappearance of journalists by the RSF raise serious concerns under international humanitarian law and human rights conventions. These acts contravene established norms regarding freedom of expression, due process, and the protection of civilians, including media workers, in conflict zones. The Syndicate's call for immediate and unconditional release highlights the urgency of addressing these grave breaches of international standards.

The Syndicate issued a stern warning about the broader implications of the continued disappearance of journalists during wartime, particularly when coupled with violence, hate speech, and incitement. Such an environment not only endangers the lives of media professionals but also fosters an atmosphere where misinformation can thrive, further destabilizing the region and hindering any prospects for peace and reconciliation.

Lawyers advising media organizations, NGOs, or international bodies operating in Sudan should note the documented pattern of arbitrary detention and forced disappearance of journalists by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This raises significant concerns under international humanitarian law and human rights conventions, necessitating heightened risk assessments for personnel and potential legal advocacy regarding accountability for such actions.

Source: Reporting based on Sudanese Journalists Syndicate statements.