HUDO Centre Date: 28th January 2024 No.: H.K/PS/01/024 PRESS STATEMENT SAF ARRESTED TWO PEOPLE (YOUTH) IN DAMAZIN, SUDAN On 6th January 2024, the Sudan Armed Force (SAF) in Damazin arrested two (2) young men from Damazin checkpoint accusing them of supporting RSF. SAF detained them, interrogated and threatened to kill them. The youth were later released on the same day. On 6th January 2024, Mr. Eihab Babikir Sesio (35 years) and Mr. Musaab Rizgalla (28 years) were arrested by Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) soldiers from Damazin checkpoint at Roseries Bridge while they were travelling between the two towns. They were taken by SAF soldiers to the nearby barracks (SAF’s air defence). While at the barracks, they were interrogated, intimidated and threaten to be killed. SAF accused them of suspiciously being affiliated to Rapid Support Force (RSF). During the interrogation, they were asked about their connections with RSF and if there is any communication between the RSF and the resistant committees in Roseries. Their phones were also checked. SAF warned them not to communicate with anyone within RSF or else, they will be killed. They were later released. The detained youth are social activists and residents of Roseries town. Damazin which is the state’s capital and Roseries are townships in Blue Nile State connected by a bridge. HUDO Centre is concerned about the safety of civilians in Sudan during this difficult period of fighting between SAF and RSF and calls for the following:  The Sudanese Armed Forces to stop the arrest of civilians.  Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) in Blue Nile State to immediately and unconditionally release any other civilians that could be under their custody.  The commander of SAF in Blue Nile state to investigate the circumstances that led to the arrest and intimidation of the two youths and make the findings public. End: For more information, please write to hudo2009@gmail.com