The order came during an inspection visit by Burhan, chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, to the prison west of the capital Khartoum. In a post on X, Burhan announced he had directed authorities to free the women immediately, noting the group included mothers detained with their children. Burhan further instructed officials to reclassify cases legally and review the justice system for detainees accused of cooperating with the RSF to speed up litigation and protect their rights. The SAF holds most of the other 13 states, including Khartoum (recaptured in early 2025), eastern regions and central areas, operating from Port Sudan. For the 400 women, including mothers separated from young children in overcrowded conditions, the order provides rare respite in a conflict that has shattered countless lives.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 10, 2026 19:31 UTC