RSF Sudan Paramilitary

Human Rights Watch Report Highlights Abuse

Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have committed widespread sexual violence in Khartoum. This includes gang rape and forced marriages during their conflict with the armed forces. Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a report on Monday detailing these abuses.

The HRW report also implicated the army in some attacks. Both sides have denied responsibility for such abuses. However, the RSF claimed it would implement preventative measures against human rights violations.

Conditions Amounting to Sexual Slavery

The report included harrowing accounts from women and girls. They described being held in conditions that could amount to sexual slavery. The RSF assaulted them in front of their families, creating a terrifying environment.

One woman living in an RSF-controlled area shared her fear. She slept with a knife under her pillow for months to defend herself. A midwife also spoke about the constant fear of RSF raids.

“They do not raid just for looting,” the midwife said. “They target specific houses because women are there. They enter and ask for the women and girls.”

Barriers to Terminating Pregnancies

Survivors who sought to terminate pregnancies resulting from rape faced significant barriers. Men and boys have also been sexually assaulted, according to the report.

The RSF has controlled most of Khartoum and its sister cities Bahri and Omdurman since the war’s onset in April 2023. Both sides have battled to protect their power under a planned political transition following the 2019 overthrow of autocrat Omar al-Bashir.

Ethnically-Motivated Killings in Darfur

The conflict has ignited ethnically-motivated killings in Darfur. The RSF and allied militias have led a campaign of attacks, including sexual assaults, against the Masalit ethnic group.

Hala al-Karib, head of the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA), spoke at a press conference. She noted that Masalit women and women from the Nuba mountains were targeted around Khartoum and Omdurman.

Volunteers Under Attack

Nidal Ahmed, an emergency response volunteer in Khartoum, highlighted the dangers faced by female volunteers.

“Any small movement by a woman makes her a direct target,” Ahmed said. “The female volunteers in the emergency response room have suffered detentions. They have been raped as service providers.”

She also mentioned a colleague who was directly targeted and killed in late 2023.

Rising Reports of Sexual Violence

Reports of sexual violence increased after the army took control of Omdurman in early 2024, according to HRW. The organization continues to monitor the situation and calls for immediate action to protect civilians.

Reuters has sought comments from both the RSF and the army. Both sides have previously denied responsibility for abuses during the war. Nonetheless, the HRW report paints a grim picture of the ongoing violence and its impact on vulnerable populations.

International Response Needed

The international community must respond to these allegations. Protecting civilians and ensuring justice for victims should be a priority. Continued monitoring and pressure on both sides can help curb these atrocities.

Urgent Need for Protection

The HRW report underscores the urgent need for protection for women, girls, men, and boys in conflict zones. Their stories highlight the brutal reality of war and the importance of upholding human rights.

As the conflict rages on, the need for comprehensive support for survivors becomes even more critical. Addressing these issues requires a coordinated effort from local and international organizations.

The HRW report brings to light the widespread sexual violence in Sudan’s capital. It calls for immediate action to protect civilians and hold perpetrators accountable. The international community must step up efforts to support victims and ensure justice.

The conflict between the RSF and the armed forces continues to cause immense suffering. The stories of survivors serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of war. Their resilience and courage in sharing their experiences are a testament to their strength.

Addressing these abuses is essential for the future stability of Sudan. The world must not turn a blind eye to the plight of those affected by this conflict. Continued advocacy and support are crucial in the fight for justice and human rights.

For more updates on this issue, visit our Sudan Conflict Report.

For more information about similar issues, check our Human Rights Section.

For further reading on related topics, you can explore our articles on Gender-Based Violence and Conflict in Africa.

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For comprehensive reports on the situation in Sudan, check out Sudan Reports.