The World Medical Association Condemns the Detention and Abduction of Health Professionals in Sudan

The World Medical Association (WMA) strongly condemns the detention and abduction of health professionals in Sudan, following alarming reports from the Sudanese doctors’ syndicate committee. These reports highlight the arbitrary detentions of several physicians by both the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since October 2024.

According to the syndicate, five physicians have been held by army intelligence and RSF forces, with their whereabouts and conditions unknown. The detained physicians include Adam Mohammed Ibrahim, Al-Sadiq Makhol, Nafisa Abdul Rahman, Khalid Al-Faki, and Mohammed Abdul Raouf, whose status remains unconfirmed. Additionally, the abduction of Dr. Al-Tahir Mohammed Fadlallah, an internal medicine specialist, in late March 2025 has sparked protests and strikes by health professionals in East Darfur.

Health professionals and physicians must never face detention, abduction, or violence for carrying out their essential duties, whether in times of peace or armed conflict.  The principles of Humanitarian Law safeguard healthcare providers from military and political interference. They must be respected by all parties involved in conflict.

These actions represent clear violations of international humanitarian law and the principle of medical neutrality. Health professionals and physicians must never face detention, abduction, or violence for carrying out their essential duties, whether in times of peace or armed conflict. Medical neutrality, which safeguards healthcare providers from military and political interference, is a fundamental principle that must be respected by all parties involved in conflict.

The WMA urges all parties in the conflict to cease targeting health professionals, uphold the integrity of medical care, and ensure unimpeded access to medical assistance for civilians.

We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in Sudan and demand the immediate release of all detained physicians and other health professionals.