Due to Hunger and Torture: Detainees Die in the “Death Prison” of Nyala

Local residents in Nyala, South Darfur, have reported the deaths of two detainees as a result of torture and starvation inside Degrais Prison, located west of the city. The facility, which locals grimly refer to as the “Death Prison,” is notorious for severe torture and killings carried out within its walls.

The family of one of the deceased told Darfur24 that their 50-year-old relative died last week inside Degrais Prison due to brutal torture and starvation after being accused by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia of spying for the Sudanese army.

According to the family, the victim was a retired police officer residing in Al-Wadi neighborhood in central Nyala. They added that he suffered from diabetes and hypertension but was denied access to his medication, which led to a rapid deterioration of his health and ultimately his death in custody.

A brother of another detainee, who requested anonymity, told Darfur24 that his sibling, named Hafiz, was arrested by RSF forces from the livestock market. He said Hafiz, who had worked with the militia, was accused of embezzlement and collaborating with the army. The brother added that Hafiz was subjected to severe beatings and torture to force a confession, and after his health worsened, he was transferred to the Turkish Hospital, where he died.

Relatives of detainees told Darfur24 that hunger and torture now threaten the lives of prisoners held in Degrais, noting that RSF militia has reduced food rations to only one meal a day. They also reported that detainees are routinely tortured to extract confessions.

Degrais Prison, located in Al-Salam Locality of South Darfur State, reportedly holds thousands of detainees — including politicians, activists, and military personnel — from Khartoum, Al-Gezira, Kordofan, and Darfur.
RSF forces are said to impose tight security measures, prohibiting family visits except through tribal mediation or direct approval from RSF officers.