The head of the United Nations-backed team of experts has sounded the alarm about the shocking levels of sexual violence reported amid Sudan's brutal civil war. This conflict has raged on for more than 18 months, stemming from deep-rooted tensions between the military and the paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). During this tumultuous period, the RSF has been directly linked to widespread sexual abuses inflicted on both women and men, adding another layer of horror to the already tragic situation afflicting the country.
According to the latest findings from the U.N. Independent International Fact-Finding Mission, the RSF has been responsible for numerous acts of sexual violence across the regions it controls, including West Darfur and the capital city of Khartoum. The mission's chair, Mohamed Chande Othman, described the violence as “staggering,” highlighting the systematic nature of these abuses. Both armed forces involved, the Sudanese military and RSF, have been accused of severe humanitarian violations, yet the RSF has emerged as the primary culprit for cases of sexual violence.
Reports detailed by the fact-finding mission indicated horrifying incidents where individuals, including children as young as eight and elderly women, were abducted for sexual slavery. The pervasive insecurity engendered by the conflict means there is virtually no safe haven for civilians. Othman stated, "There is no safe place in Sudan now," underscoring the utter chaos enveloping the nation since hostilities began.
Since April 2023, Sudan has faced one of the most catastrophic humanitarian crises globally. An estimated 25 million people—over half the population—are currently grappling with acute hunger, rendered vulnerable by the protracted strife. The U.N. has been accused of failing to adequately address this crisis, as the international focus continues to shift toward conflicts elsewhere.
The situation has become increasingly dire as both factions involved have committed acts described as war crimes. While allegations of torture and blocking humanitarian aid are levied against both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, the RSF faces sharper scrutiny for its actions concerning sexual violence. The armed group is accused of using sexual violence as both a weapon against communities and as part of military tactics aimed at terrorizing civilians.
Othman also noted the heinous tactics employed by the armed groups, which included physical assaults with firearms, knives, and even whips, used to intimidate victims. Survivors have reported being attacked openly, sometimes before their families, emphasizing the traumatic impact of such acts.
The humanitarian crisis precipitated by this violence is exacerbated by the widespread destruction of medical facilities across the country. Hospitals and clinics have been targeted, depriving victims of necessary medical treatment and care, driving home the desperation of the situation. The U.N.'s migration agency recently reported alarming figures: more than 14 million people are now displaced within Sudan or have fled to neighboring countries to escape the violence.
Othman and other human rights defenders have called for urgent interventions to address the rampant abuses. There have been renewed calls for the international community to step up efforts to provide humanitarian aid and bring accountability for the perpetrators of these crimes. The U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the attacks on civilians and demanded accountability for those committing these horrific acts. There’s also been concern about the alarming rate of suicide among women subjected to these horrific acts, highlighting the urgent need for mental health support and intervention.
Activists and humanitarian organizations have pointed out the crippling effect of these atrocities on entire communities, as they drive deep divides and result in ethnic cleansing, particularly against marginalized communities. Amid the chaos, women have become particularly vulnerable, suffering not only the physical consequences of the violence but also the psychological toll of living under constant threat of such horrors.
Despite international condemnation, the situation on the ground remains dire. The conflict shows no signs of abatement, as both the Sudanese military and the RSF appear locked in their struggle for power, indifferent to the plight of civilians. The U.N. continues to call for increased support to address this humanitarian disaster, but the realities on the ground paint a grim picture of the human cost of war.
With recent reports indicating new rounds of violence and attacks claiming more lives, advocates worry about what the future holds for Sudan, reminding the global community of its responsibility to stand against atrocities and support those fighting to uphold human rights.
