48 lawyers killed or detained in Sudan since conflict began

January 22, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Forty-eight lawyers have been killed or detained by both sides in Sudan’s civil war since fighting erupted in April 2023, a lawyers’ group said on Thursday.

The Emergency Lawyers group said 16 members were killed and 32 detained since the war began, with eight still in custody after 24 were released in recent weeks, member Mohamed Salah al-Din said.

Al-Din told Sudan Tribune that the Security Cell, a joint force of army, police and intelligence services with arrest powers, was detaining activists, lawyers, doctors, teachers and others in army-controlled areas on accusations of collaborating with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

These developments have raised significant concerns about the safety and independence of legal professionals in Sudan. The targeting of lawyers not only undermines the rule of law but also hampers efforts to provide legal assistance to those affected by the ongoing conflict.

Human rights organizations have called for immediate measures to protect legal practitioners and ensure that they can perform their duties without fear of persecution or violence. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging all parties involved in the conflict to respect human rights and uphold the principles of justice.