As Sudan’s civil war rages, rights groups expose the widespread sexual violence plaguing the nation, calling for immediate global action
On Monday, an international rights organization charged a paramilitary unit in conflict-ridden Sudan with sexually assaulting women through rape, gang-rape and coerced child marriage. The military was blamed for fewer such incidents.
In light of the ongoing conflict between Sudan’s military and paramilitary forces, which has persisted for over 15 months with no resolution in sight, Human Rights Watch is urging both the United Nations and African Union to work together to establish a joint mission aimed at safeguarding civilians.
According to Laetitia Bader, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch, the Rapid Support Forces have committed numerous cases of rape and gang rape as well as forced marriages against women and girls in residential areas located within Sudan’s capital.
The group leveled allegations against both factions, claiming that they impeded the survivors’ ability to receive vital emergency assistance. Additionally, since October of previous year, there have been instances where humanitarian supplies meant for RSF-controlled territories such as medical equipment and relief staff were deliberately withheld by military personnel.
According to local responders, the RSF has seized medical supplies and taken over medical facilities. The group also engaged in sexual violence against service providers.
In April of last year, Sudan was thrust into turmoil as long-simmering tensions between the military and RSF erupted in open conflict throughout the nation, most notably within Khartoum. The violence has resulted in over 14,000 deaths and left an additional 33,000 individuals injured according to UN records; however, human rights advocates claim that this figure may be significantly higher than reported.
The crisis resulting from the conflict has caused more than 11 million people to be displaced, making it the largest displacement event in world history.
The RSF, which was previously linked to the military, originated from the Janjaweed militias that were established by former President Omar al-Bashir during Darfur’s turmoil in the 2000s. Al-Bashir governed for thirty years until a mass uprising led to his removal in 2019. The International Criminal Court has indicted him with genocide and other offenses related to activities he carried out during the conflict era.
Human Rights Watch released a report on Sunday that revealed extensive instances of sexual violence, child marriage and forced marriages during the Khartoum conflict in Greater Khartoum – which includes cities such as Omdurman and Bahri.
It was stated that these deeds are categorized as “war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
According to the group, a major portion of the incidents were associated with the Rapid Support Forces. However, there were also instances where responsibility was placed on the military due to their continued jurisdiction over Omdurman in 2021. Additionally, it highlighted that both men and boys have been victims of rape occurrences including those held in detainment centers.
Requests for comment went unanswered by both the RSF and the military.
According to Human Rights Watch, both parties have failed to take significant measures towards preventing their forces from engaging in rape or attacking healthcare. Furthermore, they have not made efforts to conduct unbiased and open investigations into the crimes committed by their personnel.
An RSF spokesperson denied the occupation of hospitals or medical centers in Khartoum and neighboring cities, but failed to present proof that effective investigations have been conducted regarding claims of sexual violence committed by their personnel.
A new mission was urged to be deployed by both the African Union and United Nations in Sudan, with a specific focus on safeguarding civilians while also preventing instances of sexual and gender-based violence.
Bader expressed the need for The United Nations and African Union to ensure that protection is provided, while states should take action against those accountable for continuous sexual violence, assaults on local responders and health facilities as well as hindering aid.
Over the weekend, there were reports of conflicts in eastern Sudan as well as al-Fasher, which is Darfur’s sprawling western region and serves as the military’s final holdout. The RSF has been surrounding al-Fasher for several months with an aim to take over command.
Last month, international experts cautioned that famine is looming for 755,000 individuals in the near future and an estimated 8.5 million people are experiencing severe food scarcity.
