Sudanese journalist Muammar Ibrahim has been detained by the Rapid Support Forces in the city of el Fasher, raising serious concern for his wellbeing as the paramilitary group continues its push into the last army held area of North Darfur.
His detention took place on Sunday evening after the RSF announced that its fighters had taken control of key positions in the city. El Fasher has faced almost eighteen months of siege as the group attempts to break the resistance of the Sudanese army in Darfur.
Ibrahim is a freelance reporter who has contributed to Al Jazeera Mubasher. Several videos have been circulated showing him surrounded by RSF fighters while he states that he is being held by them.
In one recording, Ibrahim explains that he was detained while trying to leave the city. A fighter wearing a mask stands nearby without speaking. Ibrahim says he is neutral and does not support either side in the conflict.
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Another video shows him crouching on the ground while fighters encourage him to say that he is being treated well. One fighter taps him on the head and points at meat being prepared nearby, saying that he had only been eating poor food until now.
The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate released a statement on Sunday night expressing serious concern for his safety. The group said it holds the RSF responsible and demanded his immediate release.
Ibrahim has reported from el Fasher throughout the conflict, describing daily life as hunger and fear have increased under the siege. His final post on social media early Sunday asked followers to pray for the city and its people.
The International Organization for Migration says that more than one thousand seventy people fled el Fasher over two days between October nineteen and twenty one because of the ongoing assault.
Calls for his release continue as the humanitarian situation worsens and movement in and out of the city remains extremely dangerous.
