Sudan Military Intelligence Detains Doctors’ Union Leader

Sudanese Military Intelligence has detained Dr Attiya Abdallah, secretary-general of the Preliminary Committee of the Sudan Doctors’ Trade Union, according to the union.

Dr Attiya, who also leads an initiative fighting visceral leishmaniasis, commonly known as Kala-azar, was reportedly arrested in early August while conducting infectious disease fieldwork in Gedaref State in eastern Sudan. He was later transferred to Khartoum.

Military authorities have not publicly disclosed the charges against him or explained the reasons for his detention.

The doctors’ union and allied professional associations have launched a campaign calling for his immediate release and urged international organisations to intervene. They also warned that the security authorities would be held responsible for his safety and wellbeing.

Medical and humanitarian workers have increasingly faced arrests, intimidation and harassment by forces linked to both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since the conflict erupted in April 2023.

The detention has raised further concerns over the safety and freedom of medical professionals working in Sudan amid the ongoing conflict.

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