Recent arrests in Port Sudan and Khartoum underline that the large scale round-up of suspected political opponents begun by the authorities on 13 January 1997 continues. Over 260 men and women are being detained without charge or trial, some have been denied access to their families and necessary medical treatment. There have also been reports of torture. The arrests follow intensified military action by armed forces belonging to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), an umbrella organization of banned political parties, trade unions and armed opposition groups in exile. A list of those detained is attached as an appendix.
