SIHA women’s group faces online attacks in Sudan

January 20, 2025 (NAIROBI) – The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) said it is facing a campaign of online attacks and threats, which it believes are orchestrated by social media accounts linked to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

SIHA, a women’s rights organization with three decades of experience in the region, said the attacks are in retaliation for its condemnation of sexual violence and other abuses committed in Sudan since the conflict erupted in April 2023.

“These attacks are a deliberate attempt to silence those who speak out against the RSF’s human rights abuses,” SIHA said in a statement. The organization highlighted the “pervasive issue of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) against women and girls.”

SIHA said the online harassment includes the spread of “fake news” aimed at discrediting the organization and its work. It stressed that it remains “operational and committed to its mission” despite the intimidation.

With a vast network across Sudan, the organization has a long history of documenting human rights abuses, particularly in Darfur. This work has often placed it in direct opposition to those in power.

“This is not just an attack on SIHA—it is an assault on the voices of victims and survivors across Sudan,” the statement said.

SIHA called on international organizations and human rights defenders to stand in solidarity with it and demand accountability for the perpetrators of abuses.

“We urge you to amplify the voices of women affected by the conflict, advocate for accountability, and support women human rights defenders,” SIHA said.