Urgent Call for the Immediate Release of Wrongfully Convicted Sudanese Woman, Ms Fatima Abaker Kafi Koko

Justice Africa Sudan expresses grave concern regarding the conviction and imprisonment of Ms Fatima Abaker Kafi Koko, a Sudanese woman who has been sentenced to 15 years in prisonment, the charges against her are unfounded and unsupported by evidence, that violate basic standards of a fair trial.

Ms Fatima Koko , originally from the Nuba Mountains, previously worked as an employee with the Judiciary. During the war, she established a small restaurant in Omdurman, Salha, Block 17, to support her family financially. Following the occupation of the area by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), she continued to run her business, serving all members of the community equally.

She was later arrested in Halfa, Northern State, after moving there, and accused of collaborating with the RSF. According to Ms Fatima’s testimony, she never worked with the RSF in any capacity. She clarified that her restaurant welcomed all customers without discrimination, and RSF personnel, like other customers, occasionally purchased meals and paid for them.

Despite the lack of evidence indicating collaboration or criminal intent, SAF military intelligence charged Ms Fatima under Articles 26/51/51 of the Sudan Penal Code 1991. The allegations included cooperation with hostile forces, incitement of war against the state, and undermining the constitutional order. She was sentenced to 15 years by the Wadi Halfa court and transferred to Dongola Prison on 05/01/2026.

Alarmingly, Ms Fatima reports that she was not permitted to present witnesses in her defence, which constitutes a clear violation of her right to a fair trial under both Sudanese law and international human rights standards.

This case exemplifies a disturbing pattern of arbitrary accusations and politically motivated prosecutions during a period of heightened tension in Sudan. Punishing a civilian restaurant owner for serving paying customers—regardless of their a􏰀iliation— sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the rule of law. …read more