The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has condemned the sentence issued against Omar Al‑Tayeb Haroun, Deputy Head of the Jawamaa Tribal Administration, sentencing him to 15 years’ imprisonment on charges related to alleged cooperation with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) following the recapture of the city of Al‑Rahad by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
According to information documented by CFJ, the ruling comes amid the continued arrest and prosecution of a number of community leaders, traditional authorities, and civilians in areas that have witnessed changes in territorial control between the parties to the conflict, raising concerns regarding judicial independence and respect for fair trial guarantees.
The Committee for Justice stressed that targeting traditional and community leaders through punitive measures linked to the conflict risks undermining social cohesion and deepening polarization, particularly in light of the deteriorating humanitarian and security conditions across the country.
CFJ emphasizes that respect for the rule of law and the right of all defendants to independent and impartial trials are essential safeguards for justice and accountability. The Committee therefore calls for ensuring that all judicial proceedings are conducted in accordance with applicable legal standards and fair trial guarantees, free from any political or military influence.
The Committee for Justice further calls on the relevant authorities to uphold defendants’ rights to legal defense and appeal, and to ensure that judicial processes remain consistent with international human rights standards and the principles of due process.