Security authorities in Balila, West Kordofan State, arrested four senior youth leaders on Tuesday. They were transferred to the premises of the security forces in El Fula, the capital of the state.

Witnesses in Balila said that security forces arrested Ahmed Aziz Nur, Dr Mohyeldin Eisa Mousa, Mohamed Joda Ali, and El Fadil Hamdan on Tuesday from inside the town. “The security men said that they were arrested in accordance with the Emergency Law. Other reasons were not given. They treated them in a humiliating way and transported them to El Fula.”

Activists and lawyers quoted by Radio Dabanga have called the detention a clear violation of the Sudanese constitution and laws, saying the move also contradicts the announcement of a more tolerant political climate made by President Omar al Bashir in connection with his national dialogue initiative.