Ibrahim Gibril Abkar, also known as “Babu,” a cameraman for local state network Sudan TV, was detained on October 26, 2025, when the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group captured El-Fasher, the last city in Darfur remaining under the Sudanese army’s control, in its attempt to establish a parallel government in the region, according to two local journalists who spoke to CPJ on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal.
The journalists added that Abkar was detained by the RSF in El-Fasher and transferred to an unknown location shortly after the city’s fall.
In a statement, the Sudanese Journalists’ Union said Akbar was seen in a video circulating on social media that showed a group of detainees held by the RSF. The union held the RSF fully responsible for Abkar’s safety and demanded his immediate release.
On November 12, the two local journalists who are following the case told CPJ that Ibrahim was released from RSF custody and that he was in a weak health state due to being beaten by the RSF fighters during his detention.
CPJ contacted the RSF through its website to request comment on Abkar’s detention and beating but did not receive a response.