The Darfur Network for Human Rights (DNHR) expresses grave concern over the recent abduction of 18-year-old Al-Fatih Ahmed Adam Mustafa Mohammed, forcibly taken by armed men—some wearing RSF uniforms—in East Darfur State. The incident occurred on October 24, 2024, in an area reportedly under Rapid Support Forces (RSF) control.
Al-Fatih, a resident of Al-Nim Camp for displaced persons in Al-Daein, left for his family’s farm in the Um Dai area, approximately 7 kilometers from the camp. Shortly after he and a group of laborers arrived, they were confronted by four men in a light-colored Brei-brand vehicle. One man, identified as Ali Allah, wore civilian clothing, while two others, dressed in RSF uniforms, were armed. Claiming they had a warrant for Al-Fatih’s arrest, they took him into custody.
Initially, Al-Fatih’s aunt, Hayat, was informed that he had been detained by individuals claiming affiliation with the RSF. However, when Al-Fatih’s mother, Halima, reported his disappearance to local authorities, including the police and RSF representatives in Al-Daein, officials confirmed it was a kidnapping, clarifying that these men were not officially affiliated with the RSF and that RSF procedures do not involve unmarked vehicles.
The following day, the kidnappers contacted Halima, demanding a ransom of 100 million Sudanese pounds. In audio messages shared via WhatsApp, Al-Fatih pleaded with his mother to seek financial help from family members abroad. Due to severe financial constraints, Halima, already responsible for her elderly mother, cannot meet the ransom demand and has considered selling her few remaining assets, a cart and small farm, to gather funds. As head of the management committee of Al-Nim Camp, Halima suspects her prominent role in the community may have contributed to her son’s abduction.
Halima urgently appeals through DNHR to human rights organizations, humanitarian entities, and local authorities for assistance in securing her son’s safe release and improving safety and security measures for vulnerable families in East Darfur’s IDP camps.
The circumstances surrounding this incident raise serious concerns about potential human trafficking, as the abductors have demanded an exceptionally high ransom and threatened harm. DNHR condemns this unlawful act and calls for immediate action to protect vulnerable individuals in the region and to investigate possible connections to trafficking networks.
DNHR calls on relevant authorities and international human rights organizations to intervene swiftly, ensure Al-Fatih’s safe return, and address the ongoing risks posed to youth and displaced persons in East Darfur. The organization further urges comprehensive measures to enhance security in conflict zones and prevent similar incidents within RSF-controlled areas.