The arrest of a Sudanese refugee inside his country’s embassy in Tripoli sparks human rights outrage and calls for international intervention
In a controversial development Sudanese refugee Mohamed Adam “Tupac” was reportedly arrested inside the Sudanese Embassy in the Libyan capital Tripoli in an incident described by human rights organizations as a “blatant violation of international law,”
The incident triggered widespread condemnation with urgent calls for the intervention of the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Refugees to ensure his safety.
According to the Sudanese Human Rights Monitor “Tupac” was arrested by individuals linked to the Sudanese Embassy without clear reasons in what was defined as a “dangerous shift in the role of diplomatic missions from protecting citizens to pursuing them”
The monitor confirmed that the operation violates international agreements including the Geneva Refugee Convention (1951) and the Organization of African Unity Convention (1969) which prohibit the forced return of refugees to countries where they may face danger
“Tupac” is one of the most prominent figures of the popular protests in Sudan and was accused along with others of killing Police Brigadier Ali Bureima during the 2021 protests in front of the presidential palace.
He escaped from prison following the security collapse during the armed conflict in April 2023 and declared his readiness for trial “once conditions stabilize” Reports indicate that he had submitted a formal asylum application in Libya granting him international legal protection
Sudanese lawyer Al-Moez Hadra termed the arrest as a “replication of the practices of the former regime” accusing Sudanese embassies of colluding with “remnants of the ousted regime”
Human rights organizations demanded an independent investigation under United Nations supervision warning that the incident “could open the door to political persecution through diplomatic missions”
The Sudanese Embassy in Tripoli has not issued an official comment only stating that “the embassy is a diplomatic entity and is not authorized to carry out arrests”
The arrest comes amid escalating armed conflict in Sudan between the army and the Rapid Support Forces leading to the displacement of over 108 million people including 81 million displaced since 2023 according to UN reports Libya is also facing an increasing influx of Sudanese refugees fleeing violence and famine amid warnings of a “collapse in reception capacity” in neighbouring countries
The case of “Tupac” remains a test of the international community’s commitment to protecting refugees while also revealing the complexities of using diplomatic institutions in internal conflicts that contradict their core mandates.