Sudan activist re-detained by Rapid Support Forces militia

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in Ed Damazin, capital of Blue Nile state, detained a shop owner for the second time in a month. He was released the following day after being questioned, threatened and beaten.

The Kampala-based Sudanese Human Rights and Development Organisation (HUDO) reported in a press statement yesterday that RSF militiamen took Idris El Bur from his shop on April 27. He was taken to the RSF office in Ed Damazin, where he was questioned by RSF captain Goja.

During the questioning El Bur was beaten by Goja. He was released the following day. He was threatened that he could be detained again.

Idris El Bur, a shop owner and social and political activist aged 40, was first detained on April 8 by the RSF in Ed Damazin for criticising the local RSF commander on Facebook. After his release, two days later, El Bur filed a complaint against the RSF in Ed Damazin for detaining him illegally.

The questioning last week showed that his second detention was meant to intimidate him so that he would drop the case. However, he insists on pursuing legal procedures.

El Bur is supported by a group of lawyers that help him voluntarily.

HUDO calls upon the Sudanese government to hold Maj Fayiz Balla, the RSF commander in Blue Nile state, to account for El Bur’s detention and intimidation. It also urges the government to dissolve all government militias.

Balla served as a locality commissioner in Blue Nile state during the regime of ousted president Omar Al Bashir.

Radio Dabanga’s editorial independence means that we can continue to provide factual updates about political developments to Sudanese and international actors, educate people about how to avoid outbreaks of infectious diseases, and provide a window to the world for those in all corners of Sudan. Support Radio Dabanga for as little as €2.50, the equivalent of a cup of coffee.