Sudan’s National Humanitarian Observatory for Human Rights alleged that General al-Burhan’s army (SAF) has released Abu Huzayfa al-Sudani, described as a prominent leader of al-Qaeda. The group called the reported release a serious breach of Sudan’s counter-terrorism obligations and a threat to public safety.
In a statement, the Observatory said Abu Huzayfa has historical links to jihadist networks in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. It also claimed he fought in Syria under the Hurras al-Din banner, was repeatedly pursued and detained, and after time in prison was freed and returned to Sudan, where he was detained again.
A security source, however, told the outlet Al-Taghyeer there is no detainee by that name in Sudanese prisons, disputing that any such release occurred.
The Observatory urged Sudanese authorities and international partners to act swiftly to prevent extremists from evading accountability and to shield the country from escalating violence and radicalization. It also voiced alarm over the recent appearance of a man identified as “Abu Huzayfa al-Sudani” on social media, saying he is producing propaganda aimed at Sudanese and regional youth at a moment of acute insecurity.
The statement and local reporting noted that Abu Huzayfa—said to be in his late fifties—has published a book titled “Priorities of the Sudanese Combat Organization,” featuring Khartoum’s Al-Fateh (Corinthia) Tower on the cover, as well as other works including “Prisoner’s Reflections” and “The Forgotten Prince.” His name has previously been linked to conflicting reports, including rumors of his death in Libya.
