Sudan: Burhan Orders Release of 400 Female Prisoners in Humanitarian Gesture

In a humanitarian move, Abdel Fattah Burhan, the chairman of Sudan's Sovereignty Council, has ordered the immediate release of 400 female prisoners from the women's prison in Omdurman. This group includes mothers who are incarcerated with their children, as well as the waiver of all fines related to public law.

Burhan made this announcement during a visit to the prison located west of the capital, Khartoum, where he assessed the conditions of detention amid the ongoing conflict that has severely impacted the country.

In a post on the platform "X," Burhan stated:
"I visited the women's prison in Omdurman today and instructed officials to arrange for the immediate release of 400 female prisoners, including mothers with their children, along with the cancellation of all public law fines."

He also announced plans to reform the legal status of the prisoners and to review the judicial system for those accused, in coordination with relevant authorities. This aims to expedite court proceedings and ensure legal rights, especially in cases affected by the war's consequences.

Burhan emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of legal procedures and the judicial system to mitigate the effects of armed conflict and ensure fair application of the law, taking into account the extraordinary circumstances Sudan has faced since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023.

This decision coincides with increasing local and international calls to improve humanitarian and legal conditions in the country, particularly for the groups most affected by the conflict, including women and children.