Amnesty International urges the release of South Sudanese critic Morris Mabior Awikjok Bak, detained by the National Security Service for over 400 days. Despite the South Sudanese Minister of Justice's order for his release, Bak remains held in Juba. Amnesty's researcher, Sikula Oniala, condemns his incommunicado detention and alleged torture.

The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, is seeking information and evidence of atrocities in Sudan's Darfur region, indicating a systematic attack on human dignity. David Crane, former Chief Prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, provides insights, comparing the current situation in Darfur with past atrocities in Sierra Leone. The investigation aims to achieve justice in conflict zones, highlighting ongoing efforts to address war crimes.

Peace talks in Nairobi, known as the Tumaini or Hope Initiative, have facilitated significant discussions between South Sudan's government and rebel groups. Civil society delegates emphasize the need to address core issues and investigate delays in implementing the 2018 peace agreement, which aims to lead South Sudan to its first democratic election. Rajab Mohandis from the People’s Coalition for Civil Action highlights the importance of these discussions in resolving governance and peace challenges.

The Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Program have issued warnings about the likely worsening of acute food insecurity in 17 countries, including Sudan and South Sudan. The report highlights the growing concern over food shortages and the potential impact on these regions.

Joshua Craze, a South Sudan researcher, highlights the potential for progress in the ongoing peace talks between South Sudan's government and opposition groups in Nairobi. With elections approaching in December, the government may seek to delay the vote, while opposition groups remain divided on their goals.

Intense fighting in El Fasher, North Darfur State, between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces is causing significant harm to civilians and medical facilities. An airstrike destroyed a pediatric hospital run by Doctors Without Borders, resulting in the deaths of two children. Claire Nicolet, MSF's Head of Emergency Response in Sudan, reported that her team has treated 500 injured individuals, with at least 55 fatalities since the conflict escalated.

The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, has issued a warning about a potential imminent massacre in El Fasher, North Darfur, as clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intensify. El Fasher remains the last major town in Darfur not under RSF control and has become a refuge for displaced individuals. The RSF has recently captured Mellit, a strategic town in North Darfur, further tightening its siege on El Fasher. The situation highlights the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the region.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has halted its operations at Madani Teaching Hospital in Wad Madani, Sudan, due to increasing insecurity, lack of travel permits for new staff and medical supplies, and security incidents such as looting and harassment. This hospital is the only operational facility for hundreds of thousands of residents in the area. Muriel Boursier, MSF Spain's deputy emergency manager, discussed the situation with Nabeel Biajo.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) highlights escalating violence and a severe malnutrition crisis in North Darfur, particularly in the Zamzam displacement camp. The organization urges Sudan's warring factions, including the Sudan Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, to protect civilians and aid workers. With 30% of children in Zamzam acutely malnourished, MSF stresses the urgent need for humanitarian intervention.

The U.S. Department of State has publicly denounced the human rights abuses occurring in Sudan, particularly in West Darfur State, where violence has been escalating for two months. The statement highlighted concerns over sexual violence and the targeting of civilians based on ethnicity by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allied militias. The situation in West Darfur recently worsened with the abduction and murder of the state governor, Khamis Abdullah Abbkar, an act attributed to RSF soldiers and associated Arab militias. VOA journalist Nabeel Biajo interviewed Samah Salman, a strategic analyst and president of the U.S.-Educated Sudanese Association, to discuss the implications of the U.S. statement.