Freelance Sudanese journalist Muammar Ibrahim, who most recently contributed to Al-Jazeera, was abducted by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on October 26, 2025, during the paramilitary group’s capture of El-Fasher, in its attempt to establish a parallel government in Darfur. The North Darfur capital was the last city in the region under the Sudanese army’s control.
A video that first circulated on RSF social media groups the same day showed Ibrahim surrounded by RSF fighters, identifying himself and confirming that he had been detained while attempting to escape the besieged city. The Sudanese Journalists’ Syndicate later confirmed his detention and held the RSF fully responsible for his safety.
On November 3, the RSF released a second video in which Ibrahim appeared to be under interrogation by the group’s spokesperson, who accused him of “bias” for describing the RSF as a “militia” and “Janjaweed.” In the footage, Ibrahim, visibly uncomfortable, stated that he had been transferred to Nyala, the capital of South Darfur state, after several days in custody.
In early December 2025, local media reported that Ibrahim’s health was reportedly deteriorating in RSF custody, while the paramilitary group refused to transfer him to a hospital.
Two local journalists following the case told CPJ on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal that Ibrahim remained in RSF custody, with no information on his exact place of detention or his health conditions.
CPJ contacted the RSF through its website to request comment on Ibrahim’s detention but did not receive a response.