South Darfur: Approximately 13,000 People Arbitrarily Detained in RSF-Operated Diqris Prison

HomePUBLICATIONSSouth Darfur: Approximately 13,000 People Arbitrarily Detained in RSF-Operated Diqris PrisonSouth Darfur: Approximately 13,000 People Arbitrarily Detained in RSF-Operated Diqris Prison30 Mar 30MarOverviewThe African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) condemns the arbitrary arrest and incommunicado detention of Sudanese citizens. ACJPS received information that indicates that approximately 13,000 detainees are currently being held at Diqris prison, a detention facility located in South Darfur. The facility, originally designed as a modern correctional complex, has reportedly been converted by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) into one of the largest detention sites in the Darfur region following the escalation of armed conflict in Sudan. Background of the FacilityIn 2016, Sudanese authorities, through the Sudanese Prisons and Reform Sector, began constructing Al Khair Reformatory City, commonly referred to as ‘the Centre’, in the Diqris area, approximately 25 kilometers west of Nyala, the capital of South Darfur State. The complex was intended to serve as a modern correctional institution that met basic human rights standards.The project occupies approximately 20,000 square meters and includes the main reformatory building as well as supporting facilities such as police barracks, two schools, medical clinics, administrative buildings, and water stations connected to wells. More than 20 companies reportedly participated in the construction process.The facility was designed to accommodate approximately 3,600 detainees. Structurally, it consists of two main sections, each divided into five subsections, as well as a section for individuals sentenced to death. Construction was scheduled for completion in 2020 following the connection of electricity from the Nyala City Power Station.RSF Control and Use as a Detention CentreIn 2025, the Rapid Support Forces reportedly renovated the facility after it sustained damage during the armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and RSF in South Darfur. Following the RSF’s consolidation of control over the state in November 2023, the site was transformed into a large detention centre.The facility is reportedly supervised by RSF officer Mohamed Kelink, who holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Although the complex was originally designed to accommodate approximately 3,600 individuals, testimonies from former detainees and sources indicate that at least 13,000 detainees are currently held at the facility, particularly following RSF withdrawals from Khartoum in March 2025.Categories of DetaineesDetainees reportedly originate from several regions of Sudan, including Khartoum, Al Jazira State, West Kordofan, and other states in the Darfur region.According to testimonies collected by ACJPS, detainees fall into several categories:1. Officers and members of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF)2. Members of armed movements from the Darfur region3. Civilians accused of affiliation with opposing forces4. Individuals allegedly linked to the National Congress Party or the Sudanese Islamic Movement5. Members of the Rapid Support Forces accused of violating RSF regulations or collaborating with SAFDetention Conditions and OvercrowdingFormer detainees have described extremely overcrowded conditions within the detention facility. Each of the two main sections reportedly contains 48 cells, originally designed to hold one detainee each. However, at least two detainees are frequently confined in each cell due to overcrowding, forcing them to alternate between sleeping and standing.Due to a lack of space, additional areas, including kitchens, school buildings, and administrative offices, have reportedly been converted into detention spaces.Detainees reportedly receive only one meal per day, with limited access to water; some former detainees reported receiving only 2 cups of water daily.Security ArrangementsThe facility is maintained under strict security measures. The compound is surrounded by walls approximately six metres high and guarded by a large number of armed personnel. Sources indicate that the facility is secured by approximately 50 Land Cruiser vehicles, other military vehicles, and armored units.RSF Review CommitteeAccording to a reliable source, the RSF high command established a review committee in December 2025 to assess the legal status of detainees. The committee was reportedly led by Brigadier General Aboud Abu Kalam, a former Sudanese police officer who later joined RSF.On 11 March 2026, the committee reportedly announced that at least 259 detainees remained in custody, including 45 RSF soldiers. The remaining 39 detainees were reportedly from West Kordofan and East Darfur.Sources also indicated that at least 250 individuals were arrested in East Darfur during 2024, while 3,000 individuals were arrested in West Kordofan in 2025.Health Conditions and Reported DeathsTestimonies from former detainees indicate deteriorating health conditions inside the facility. Several detainees have reportedly died in custody since December 2025 due to disease, poor sanitation, and severe overcrowding.Although RSF authorities reportedly conducted spraying operations inside the prison to contain disease outbreaks, former detainees indicated that poor food quality, limited water supply, and overcrowding continue to pose serious risks to detainees’ health.ConclusionACJPS continues to monitor and document detention conditions in RSF-controlled areas in Sudan and calls for independent monitoring of detention facilities and the protection of detainees in accordance with international human rights and humanitarian law. Arbitrary detention in Sudan Sudan war South Darfur Human rights violations in Sudan 04Jan النزاع المسلح في السودان: حرب على أجساد النساء 10Jan Sudan: 22 civilians killed as a result of Airstrikes by the Sudanese Army in Nyala, South Darfur 11Jan Al-jazeera state: 26 men arbitrarily arrested and allegedly killed by the Military Intelligence Unit in Wad Madani Comments