The Sudanese armed forces and affiliated forces have arbitrarily detained, tortured, and mistreated civilians in areas under their control, denying them the right to a fair trial. The army has carried out a campaign of terror and reprisals against individuals it considers collaborators, based on their ethnic identity, humanitarian work, political affiliation, or residency under the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) control.
Authorities should take steps to end arbitrary detentions, torture, and ill-treatment and provide reparations to detainees and their families. International and regional actors should clearly indicate to military leaders that they will be held accountable for such abuses. Human Rights Watch reported on April 8, 2026, that these actions were taken.
Security forces and the military have arrested civilians suspected of collaborating with the RSF, often based on ethnicity, political affiliation, or humanitarian work. Unlawful deprivation of liberty, mistreatment, and torture of civilians could constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity.
Former detainees, their relatives, and lawyers have shared accounts of arbitrary abuse encouraged by an atmosphere of impunity. The military and affiliated forces have kept detainees secret, leading to lack of information for families and in some cases forced disappearances.
Human Rights Watch interviewed various individuals from June 2025 to February 2026, including former detainees, relatives, lawyers, and a security force member. Incidents described involved brutal treatment of detainees by Sudanese forces and affiliates in areas under military control or recaptured from the RSF since 2024.
Human Rights Watch sent letters to the transitional sovereign council and the attorney general’s office on March 18, with responses received on April 2. While some reports indicate a decrease in some abuses, arbitrary detentions persist due to insufficient oversight by prosecutors and judges. It’s essential to ensure that all judicial procedures are based on credible evidence and fully comply with procedural guarantees.
