Emergency Lawyers Group Condemns RSF for Extorting Families in Nyala
On April 25, 2026, the Emergency Lawyers group publicly condemned the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for demanding ransom payments from families to secure the release of civilian detainees held at Dagrees Prison in Nyala, South Darfur. The allegations point to a systematic pattern of exploitation targeting vulnerable populations amid ongoing conflict in the region.
Allegations of Ransom Demands at Dagrees Prison
The Emergency Lawyers group stated that the RSF has been extorting money from relatives of detainees, conditioning release on payment of unspecified sums. These claims were made in a statement released from Nyala and subsequently shared across social media platforms, including a post on the Sudan Tribune’s official Facebook page.
According to the group’s documentation, civilian detainees are being held at Dagrees Prison, with families being contacted directly by RSF affiliates to negotiate payments. The lawyers’ organization emphasized that such practices violate both national and international legal standards governing the treatment of detainees.
Pattern of Abuse Documented by Legal Advocates
The Emergency Lawyers group said it has documented a recurring pattern in which the RSF uses detention as a means of financial coercion. In multiple cases reported over recent weeks, families have been approached after arrests and told that payment is required for their loved ones’ release.
This practice, the group warned, transforms the justice system into an extortion racket, disproportionately affecting those least able to pay. The organization called for immediate intervention by humanitarian and human rights bodies to monitor prison conditions and halt illegal detention practices.
Context of Rising Tensions in South Darfur
Nyala, the capital of South Darfur state, has experienced heightened instability due to ongoing clashes between the RSF and rival armed factions. Civilian populations have borne the brunt of the violence, with widespread reports of arbitrary arrests, displacement, and restricted access to basic services.
Prisons like Dagrees have develop into focal points for concerns over due process, particularly as formal judicial oversight remains limited in conflict-affected areas. Legal advocates stress that any detention must adhere to established legal procedures, including judicial review and access to legal counsel.
Calls for Accountability and Protection
The Emergency Lawyers group urged national authorities and international partners to investigate the allegations and hold responsible parties accountable. They emphasized that releasing detainees should be based on legal grounds, not financial transactions.
The group also called for expanded monitoring of detention facilities in Darfur and greater support for legal aid services to assist families navigating the detention system. Without such measures, they warned, abuses like extortion will continue unchecked.
Conclusion
The allegations made by the Emergency Lawyers group highlight a troubling intersection of conflict, detention, and exploitation in Nyala. As of April 26, 2026, no official response from the RSF or Sudanese authorities has been publicly issued regarding the specific claims. Continued documentation and advocacy by legal organizations remain critical to addressing these abuses and protecting civilian rights in Sudan’s volatile regions.