Sudan Civilians Endure Fear, Disappearances, and Detention Amid Prolonged Conflict
Sudan civilians trapped by fear disappearance – As the conflict in Sudan surpasses its third year, the humanitarian situation has grown increasingly dire, with civilians facing not just direct violence from frontlines but also systemic pressures that threaten their daily lives. An updated report by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan, presented to the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, highlights how fear, forced disappearances, and arbitrary detentions are now key elements of the crisis.
Control Through Fear and Repression
The report underscores that both warring factions—the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), along with affiliated groups—are employing tactics to subdue civilian populations already weary from years of war. This includes targeting individuals for their perceived allegiance to opposing sides, often without due process. Such measures have transformed the conflict into a broader campaign of control, where civilians are compelled to navigate a landscape of intimidation and restriction.
“Civilians continue to bear the overwhelming burden of this conflict,” stated Mission Chair Mohamed Chande Othman, emphasizing that the violence has evolved into a comprehensive system of repression. This system infiltrates every facet of civilian life, from movement to livelihood, creating a climate where even the act of relocating can be perilous.
Detention as a Tool of Coercion
According to the mission, checkpoints have become critical sites of detention, where civilians are intercepted, accused of supporting rival forces, and held without legal justification. The report documents instances where people attempting to cross between regions controlled by different factions face arrest, mistreatment, and enforced disappearance. These targets span journalists, aid workers, traders, and ordinary citizens seeking safer zones or stable incomes.
“Civilians are increasingly pressured to demonstrate loyalty and, in some cases, actively align themselves with one of the warring parties as a condition for their safety, freedom, and economic survival,” noted Expert Member Joy Ngozi Ezeilo. This pressure has led to a situation where neutrality is no longer an option, and individuals must choose sides to avoid being caught in the crossfire of political and military reprisals.
Detention practices are not only about physical confinement but also economic exploitation. The mission reports that families are now being asked to pay hefty sums to secure the release of their loved ones. In some cases, these demands reach approximately $40,000, an amount that is nearly impossible for households already struggling with displacement, loss of income, and the collapse of basic services.
Disruption of Local Economies
These tactics have significantly disrupted local economies, particularly in regions like El Fasher, El Obeid, Dilling, and Kadugli. Traders crossing into areas controlled by different parties face heightened risks of being detained or abducted, which limits their access to essential goods and deepens economic instability. The result is a shrinking market, reduced food availability, and greater uncertainty for communities reliant on trade and subsistence.
Additionally, the mission expressed grave concerns over reports of at least 70 individuals, including humanitarian workers, being arrested in El Geneina during May 2026 and subsequently disappearing without any news of their whereabouts. The uncertainty surrounding their fate has added to the anxiety of families and communities across the country.
“No family should be left in silence and uncertainty while searching for loved ones,” said Expert Member Mona Rishmawi. The disappearance of aid personnel not only isolates families but also weakens relief efforts, cutting off critical support to communities in need. This has created a dangerous cycle where access to life-saving assistance is compromised, leaving vulnerable populations even more exposed.
Conditions in Detention Facilities
Inside detention centers, conditions remain deeply troubling. The mission describes overcrowded cells, inadequate food and water supplies, poor sanitation, and limited medical care. Outbreaks of diseases, such as cholera, have reportedly occurred in some facilities, further endangering detainees. Former prisoners recount experiences of beatings, electrocution, sexual violence, and prolonged isolation, all of which undermine human dignity.
Thousands of individuals are believed to be held in facilities like Nyala Prison in South Darfur under conditions that are incompatible with basic rights. The lack of independent access to these centers has exacerbated the problem, making it difficult for families to obtain information about their detained relatives. This opacity fuels fears of deaths in custody and leaves civilians without recourse in times of crisis.
Call for Immediate Action
In response to these findings, the mission has urged all parties to halt arbitrary arrests and detentions, release individuals detained without legal grounds, and disclose the locations of those in custody. They also emphasized the need for independent access to detention facilities and renewed international efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.
Without swift intervention, the mission warns that patterns of abuse will become entrenched, perpetuating a conflict where civilians are defined by fear, uncertainty, and separation. The report highlights the urgent need to protect not only individuals but the broader social fabric that has been strained by years of violence and instability.
Role of the Fact-Finding Mission
The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan, appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, operates independently of the organization’s staff and does not receive financial compensation for their work. Their role is to investigate human rights violations and provide a factual account to guide international responses. The mission’s findings underscore the complexity of the crisis and the necessity for coordinated action to mitigate its impact.
As the conflict drags on, the mission’s report serves as a stark reminder of the human toll. The combination of direct violence and indirect coercion has trapped civilians in a cycle of suffering, with their survival increasingly dependent on navigating the risks posed by both military and political forces. The international community is now under pressure to act decisively and ensure that the rights of Sudanese citizens are safeguarded in the face of ongoing atrocities.
Through their documentation and testimony, the mission has shed light on the systemic nature of the crisis, revealing how detention and repression are not isolated incidents but part of a larger strategy to control and subjugate civilian populations. The report calls for immediate reforms, transparent governance, and support for those on the ground who are bearing the brunt of the conflict. Without these measures, the humanitarian emergency will continue to deepen, with long-term consequences for Sudan’s people and their future prospects.
