The Issue of Denying Sudanese Citizens Identity Documents Before the African Commission on Human Rights

Dakar: October 15, 2026: Radio Dabanga - The International Coalition of Sudanese Organizations participating in the 89th session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, held in the Senegalese capital, Dakar, announced that it has raised concerns regarding the denial of citizenship and identity documents to Sudanese citizens since the outbreak of war in April 2023, based on their alleged affiliation with the social base of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Al-Zubair Mohammed, a member of the coalition delegation, told Radio Dabanga that the delegation brought up the issue during the morning session on Wednesday, October 14, which was dedicated to discussing statelessness and the conditions of stateless persons on the African continent. He warned that depriving citizens of official documents based on their affiliation raises concerns about discrimination and the infringement of fundamental rights. Al-Zubair explained that the delegation presented to the Commission what it described as the case of denying Sudanese citizens nationality and identity documents, noting that the repercussions have extended to students, some of whom were unable to obtain the necessary documents to travel abroad and continue their education. He added that the lack of official documents threatens the educational future of these students and limits their opportunities to continue their studies and build their lives, calling for nationality to be treated as a fundamental right linked to legal identity, human dignity, and the enjoyment of rights. Mohammed stated, 'Nationality is not a privilege that authorities grant to whom they please and withhold from whom they please; it is a fundamental right linked to legal identity, human dignity, and the enjoyment of rights.' Discussions on the status of stateless persons: The session featured discussions on the situation of stateless persons and the challenges they face in obtaining legal recognition and official documents, as well as the difficulties in accessing education, healthcare, and basic services that result from statelessness. The discussions emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between African states, institutions, and human rights organizations to reduce the causes of statelessness, protect affected individuals, and ensure that no person is deprived of their fundamental rights due to the lack of nationality or identity documents. These deliberations take place in the context of commemorating the anniversary of the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, which aims to minimize cases that lead to people being denied nationality and the associated legal and civil rights.