The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has documented catastrophic humanitarian conditions inside Dagaris Prison in Nyala, South Darfur, amid mounting reports of severe mistreatment and gross neglect of detainees.
According to testimonies gathered from individuals recently released from the facility, Dagaris Prison currently holds approximately 19,500 detainees, despite having an official capacity of only 4,500. This extreme overcrowding has had a direct and devastating impact on the health, safety, and living conditions of those detained.
CFJ reported that detainees are transferred to the prison in groups from across various Darfur states, including individuals subjected to enforced disappearance and others accused of political or military affiliations. Many are deprived of any information regarding the reasons for their detention, with interrogations reportedly taking up to 70 days after initial arrest.
According to the documented testimonies, the food provided to detainees is inhumane and inadequate, consisting mainly of leftover animal fodder (ombaz) thrown into the cells, contributing to widespread hunger and severe malnutrition. Medical care is described as critically deteriorated, with detainees transferred to hospitals only in late‑stage emergencies and accounts of daily deaths inside the prison due to medical neglect and appalling living conditions.
The testimonies also pointed to illicit financial practices tied to the release of detainees, with large sums of money allegedly demanded in exchange for freedom, while others face substantial obstacles to securing their release.
CFJ stated that these conditions amount to serious violations of human rights, including violations of the right to life, the right to health, and the right to humane treatment—falling far short of international standards for the treatment of detainees.
The Committee for Justice calls for an urgent, independent investigation into conditions inside Dagaris Prison in Nyala, and for human rights organizations to be granted access to inspect the facility and assess detainees’ conditions. CFJ further demands immediate action to improve the health and living environment, reduce overcrowding, guarantee detainees’ basic rights, and hold accountable those responsible for any violations or unlawful practices.