Sudan sees surge in enforced disappearances as clashes expand

February 16, 2024 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese Group for Victims of Enforced Disappearance (SGVED) has documented a sharp rise in disappearances following the escalation of conflict and its reach to Gezira state in central Sudan.

The group, comprised of human rights activists, confirmed new disappearances in Wad Madani, Al-Hasaheisa, and Al-Kameleen in Gezira, as well as in Al-Rahad (North Kordofan) and Jabal Awliya (south of Khartoum).

SGVED member Osman Al-Basri told Sudan Tribune the total number missing due to the war has grown to 993, including 96 women and 897 men. This represents a significant increase from the 842 cases reported in December 2023 and the 715 cases documented in October 2023.

An October 2023 report covering the period from April to October 2023 detailed disappearances in various cities, including Khartoum, Omdurman, and Wad Madani, as well as Darfur and North Kordofan. The report noted the disappearance of men, women, children, and even nine individuals with mental disabilities.

In December, SGVED reported that the number missing from the war had reached 842, with 127 disappearances alone from Jabal Awliya. Additionally, 471 missing person reports were registered with the Public Prosecution in Wad Madani.

Al-Basri emphasized the increase in disappearances in these areas and urged families of the missing not to engage with “fraudsters.” He advised them to contact SGVED directly through their Facebook page or the “Where Are They?” campaign on the Access to Justice platform.

SGVED’s October 2023 report, covering April 15 to October 15, revealed May as the month with the highest number of disappearances (141) during the first six months of the conflict. Khartoum had the most cases (309), followed by Omdurman (156) and Khartoum Bahri (130).

At the time, the report documented only three cases in Al-Abyad and Nyala, two in El-Fasher, and one in El-Geneina and Zalingei. Notably, 110 disappearances were recorded without specific locations but within the war-affected states.

Gender-wise, the October report documented the disappearance of 666 males (650 adults and 16 minors) and 49 females (47 adults and two minors).

(ST)