SNOHR: SAF and allied militias intensify campaigns of arresting civilians
The Sudanese National Observatory for Human Rights (SNOHR) revealed information regarding a campaign of arbitrary arrests launched by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and its militias against Sudanese civilians and activists, describing the campaign as a blatant violation of fundamental rights and freedoms as well as a dangerous indicator of the escalating approach of repression and security crackdowns.
The National Observatory condemned the arbitrary arrest and forced detention campaigns carried out by the security apparatus of the illegitimate Port Sudan Authorities, targeting a number of civil activists and members of the Resistance Committees, due to their peaceful participation in commemorating the anniversary of the glorious December Revolution.
According to the Observatory, the arrest campaign sparked widespread anger and condemnation amongst human rights activists and the public as well.
The (SNOHR) reported, based on local sources from the Northern state, that security authorities arrested MunibAbdel Aziz and Dr. Ahmed Shifaa for participating in events commemorating the revolution in “Dongola,” the capital of the Northern state, on December 20th. Dr.Ahmed Shifaa was subsequently subjected to unfair trials that lacked the most basic standards of justice, held on January 14th and 21st, 2026, as part of a systematic targeting of activists for their revolutionary stances and peaceful activities.
Furthermore, the Observatory shared that, the city of El-Gedaref witnessed a significant escalation in the pace of security repression, manifested in arbitrary arrest campaigns and enforced detention targeting a number of civil activists for their participation in peaceful events commemorating the December Revolution. According to local sources, these campaigns included the arrest of several members of Resistance Committees, including Alaa El-Din El-Sharif, detained since January 15th, 2026, and Ayman El-Hariri, detained since January 12th, 2026, in clear violation of the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, and without adherence to due process.
At the moment, the city of El Obeid, capital of North Kordofan state, is witnessing an alarming escalation in serious human rights violations, according to the Sudanese National Observatory for Human Rights. As arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances of civil activists continue as part of a systematic campaign of repression aimed at silencing voices calling for freedom and justice. Moreover, amongst those arrested is Professor and lawyer Khalafallah Hussein, who was detained on January 17th, 2026, without any clear legal justification. He has been denied his right to contact his family or for the latter to know his whereabouts, in flagrant violation of the guarantees of a fair trial and protection from enforced disappearance.
In addition, the Observatory reported that activist Khalid Bahiri was subjected to arbitrary arrest and enforced disappearance for six months in Wad Medani, Al-Jazeera state, without due process.
On January 13th, 2026, the Criminal Court in Wad Medanisentenced him to life imprisonment, despite his severely deteriorating health, as he suffers from kidney disease and undergoes regular dialysis sessions. However, according to his family, he has been denied necessary treatment and access to a hospital, posing a direct threat to his life and constituting a grave violation of his right to health and life.
The National Observatory reiterated that such practices represent a serious violation of freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly, guaranteed under international laws and human rights conventions. Additionally, they reflect the adoption of a continued policy of systematic repression and harassment of civilians and activists due to their political views and peaceful activities.
