February 18, 2026 Nyala
On the evening of February 16, 2026, Federal Police forces affiliated with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) raided the home of former Nyala Radio journalist, Manal Mustafa, located in the Texas neighborhood south of Nyala, near the Qadra Market. She was taken to the Nyala Police Station, located in the popular market, at approximately 8:00 PM. Manal Mustafa manages a training center called “Al-Manhal,” which is based in her home. There, she trains women in pastry making and small business management. According to sources from the Human Rights Watch Network – Sudan in the state, her arrest was related to a training session she held with female journalists at her home. This activity was part of a discussion session organized by the “Women Journalists for Peace” initiative two weeks prior. The arrest of journalist Manal Mustafa raises serious human rights concerns, as it violates her rights to freedom of opinion and expression, assembly, and vocational training for women, in accordance with international human rights standards. The Network strongly condemns this arrest. Arbitrarily and in violation of legal guarantees, the network calls on the relevant authorities to immediately release her and ensure her protection from any reprisals for her civic and training activities.
In this regard, the network recommends the following:
- The immediate and unconditional release of journalist Manal Mustafa and the termination of all legal proceedings related to her civic or training activities.
- Guaranteeing the protection of civilians and media outlets in Nyala and South Darfur, especially women participating in training or journalistic initiatives.
- Ending the arbitrary prosecution of journalists and civil activists and opening an independent investigation into unlawful arrests.
- Enabling women’s right to assembly and vocational training, in accordance with national law and international human rights standards.
- Providing guarantees that the Rapid Support Forces will not be used as a tool for reprisals or to restrict civil society.
- Appealing to the international community and human rights organizations to monitor the situation of journalist Manal Mustafa, ensure her protection, and document any subsequent violations.