Shawgi Yagoub Adam
Chairperson of Board of Directors
Lawyer, Human rights defender from Darfur region.
He holds a Bachelor of Law from Al-Nilein University, where he graduated in 1998. With over two decades of legal experience, Shawgi has been a practicing lawyer since 2001, specializing in human rights law.
In 2004, he became a member of the Khartoum Center for Human Rights Lawyers Network. Since 2002, he has been actively involved in providing legal aid to defenders, with a strong focus on filing lawsuits and advocating for justice before regional and international mechanisms. His commitment to advancing human rights continues to drive their work within SudanDefenders.
Rabha Ismail Mohmmed
Deputy Chairperson, Board of Directors
Engineer from Kordofan state
Rabha Ismail Mohamed is a dedicated peacebuilding and conflict resolution professional with a Master’s in Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution, School of Administrative SciencesCenter for Peace Studies, University of Khartoum,
With a profound commitment to human rights, particularly focusing on women’s and children’s rights, she has worked for five years with the Save the Children
As a trainer in nonviolence and peacebuilding, Rabaha has also actively contributed to women’s rights initiatives, collaborating with organizations such as the Reproductive Health Network and the Azza Feminist Organization. She is a member of the Executive Office of the No to Women’s Oppression Initiative and engages with Women of Sudanese Civic and Political Groups (MANSAM).
Rabha has a strong focus on the rights of refugees, having worked in camps in East Darfur, South Kordofan, and currently in the Kiryandongo refugee camp in Kampala, Uganda.
As a founding member of the Defenders coalition since 2021, she has recently served on the Executive Office and continues to champion the rights of minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. Her vital work also encompasses monitoring and documenting human rights violations, alongside advocacy and alliance building, contributing significantly to the Defenders coalition for East Darfur and Central Africa.
Mohamed Nikroma
SudanDefenders Secretary General of the Board of Directors
From Darfur state
A seasoned lawyer and human rights defender with over 20 years of experience in transitional justice, restorative justice, documentation of human rights violations, and advocacy. He serves as the CEO of the Sudanese Organization for Justice and Human Rights and is the Secretary General of SudanDefenders. Nikroma has worked as a consultant for various international organizations and has contributed to academic and policy papers on transitional justice and community reconciliation. As a professional trainer, he provides expertise in international and regional legal frameworks and human rights mechanisms, with a strong commitment to justice, accountability, and social healing
Noon Ibrahim Kashkoush
Deputy Secretary General
From Gazira state
Noon Ibrahim Kashkoush is a dedicated human rights lawyer with extensive experience in advocating for social justice and the protection of individual freedoms. She served as the Former Secretary-General of the National Commission for Human Rights and currently holds the position of Secretary of the Human Rights Secretariat within the Bar Association Steering Committee. As a passionate member of the Democratic Alliance of Lawyers, Noon has actively contributed to legal reforms and the promotion of human rights in her community. She is also a founding member of the Emergency Lawyers Group, which addresses urgent legal needs in times of crisis.
In addition to her leadership roles, Noon serves as the Rapporteur for the Female Lawyers Team to assist victims of sexual violence. She is recognized as an expert in providing support to victims of conflict-related sexual violence, advocating for their rights and access to justice.
Through her work, Noon continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by injustice, tirelessly striving to create a fairer and more equitable society.,
Faisal Elbagir
Advocacy Coordinator
Faisal Elbagir is a distinguished Sudanese journalist and human rights defender, best known for his commitment to promoting freedom of expression and safeguarding media safety. He is the founder and Coordinator General of Journalists for Human Rights – JHR Sudan, an organisation dedicated to protecting journalists. Throughout his career, he has co-founded several civil society initiatives, including the Khartoum Centre for Human Rights and Environmental Development. He has played a pivotal role in training journalists from Sudan and South Sudan.
In addition to his work in journalism, Faisal is the founder and CEO of the Africa Initiative for Media Development and Journalists’ Safety, as well as a co-founder of the Sudan Media Forum. He holds a BA in political science and an MA in politics from the University of Poona, India. He is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Nairobi’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication. His advocacy emphasises ethical journalism and the importance of human rights in the media.
Omer Ahmed Salih
Protection Coordinator
From Sinner State
Omer Ahmed Salh is an experienced advocate in the field of human rights, with a strong commitment to monitoring, documentation, and public policy reform related to rights and freedoms. He served on the Gezira State Doctors Committee from 2015 to 2016 and has been a member of the Sudan Central Doctors Committee since 2016. Omer is also actively involved with the Sudan Central Observatory for Human Rights, where he has been contributing since 2024. As a founding member of the coalition of Sudanese Human Rights Defenders, established in 2022, he plays a crucial role in promoting human rights initiatives. Additionally, he is a dedicated member of the Campaign to Support Victims of Enforced Disappearance, (Mafgood Initiative), since 2022
Abuhuraira Abdelrahman Ahmed Ibrahim
Coordinator of Training and Research
Human rights defender with over 15 years of professional experience in national and regional voluntary NGOs; Experience in research, documentation of violations, and training; I have travelled extensively in a professional capacity within the various states of Sudan and participated in the field research; I have field experience in conflict zones and hostile environment.
Eatzaz Bakry Abdalla
Feminist from North Kordofan state
Deputy Coordinator of Training and Research
Eatzaz is a human rights defender and Executive Director of Taa Al-Taaneeth Feminist Association, where she leads efforts to advance gender equality and amplify women’s voices. She is a board member at the Sudan Defenders Coalition, heading the Research and Training Office. Her work centers on advocacy, community engagement, and building partnerships for lasting social change.
Khaled Ahmed
Media and Communication Coordinator
Freelance journalist, Defender of freedom of expression and human rights.
Manahil Omer Ahmed
Membership Coordinator
Manahil Omer Ahmed development practitioner with academic training in economics and rural development. She graduated from Gazira University’s Faculty of Economic and Rural Development and holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Rural Development from Ahfad University. Manahil has gained valuable experience working with both national and international organizations, bringing a strong commitment to community-driven development and sustainable rural livelihoods.