Abuse of power & retaliationOversight & ethics enforcement

Sudan's RSF detained three women radio journalists in Darfur for nearly six months; one's release is unconfirmed

Confidence: Corroborated · 3 sourcesSouth Darfur · Oct 12, 2026

Subject of this story

Rapid Support Forces (RSF)

Also named

Affected

Ishraqah Abdulrahman, Journalist, Nyala Radio

Zahraa Muhammad Al-Hassan, Journalist, Nyala Radio

Mawahib Ibrahim, Journalist, Nyala Radio

Advocate

Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)

What happened

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) detained Nyala Radio journalists Ishraqah Abdulrahman, Zahraa Muhammad Al-Hassan and Mawahib Ibrahim on February 28, 2026 in Nyala, South Darfur, after they attended a workshop for female journalists, and moved them to a prison and later to undisclosed locations. As of mid-March CPJ reported they were held without formal charges or a court appearance. On September 7, 2026, CPJ and 16 partner organizations called for their release and for the RSF to disclose their whereabouts, citing significant weight loss, fever and untreated health complications. The same day, Darfur24 reported Abdulrahman and Ibrahim had reportedly been released but could not confirm the release of Al-Hassan. The RSF had not responded.

Sources (3)

Committee to Protect JournalistsCPJ and 16 partner organizations called on the RSF to disclose the whereabouts and provide medical care to Nyala Radio journalists Ishraqah Abdulrahman, Zahraa Muhammad Al-Hassan, and Mawahib Ibrahim, held since February 28, 2026, citing significant weight loss, fever, and other untreated health complications.

Darfur24Darfur24 reported that broadcaster Ishraqah Abdel Rahman and radio broadcaster Mawaheb Ibrahim were reportedly released after more than six months in RSF detention, but the release of radio broadcaster Zahraa Mohamed Al-Hassan could not be independently confirmed.

Committee to Protect Journalists"The Rapid Support Forces must immediately release Nyala Radio journalists Mawaheb Ibrahim, Zahraa Muhammad Al-Hassan, and Ishraqah Abdulrahman and stop arbitrarily detaining members of the press," said Sara Qudah, CPJ regional director.

Response

Rapid Support Forces (RSF)

No response by publication

Contacted — no response by publication.

What happened next (0)

No outcome recorded yet.

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