RSF are accused of Kidnapping, enslaving Sudanese females
RSF fighters announcing they destructed a force of the Sudanese army in El-Geneina on April 22, 2023
August 1, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – Women’s rights regional organization, Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA), has recently uncovered shocking evidence of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) involvement in the kidnapping and enslavement of females in Sudan.
In a statement provided to Sudan Tribune, SIHA reported that RSF members have been kidnapping female civilians in Darfur, holding them hostage to seek ransom from their families or possibly selling them in markets.
“An eyewitness in Al-Fashir, North Darfur, confirmed that three women and/or girls (who may be underaged; their ages were not identified) were brought by the RSF to the Dar Al Salam locality. Civilians tried to appeal to the RSF to release the hostages. The RSF soldiers then requested a ransom of 30 million Sudanese Pounds,” said the statement.
The hostages were given mobile phones to contact their families in Khartoum for payment. After tense negotiations, 21 million Sudanese Pounds were paid, releasing the three hostages, who later travelled back to Khartoum by bus.
The same eyewitness also reported another incident in which another female hostage was freed after the RSF received a payment of 650,000 Sudanese Pounds.
Reports of missing girls and the kidnapping of females in Khartoum, as well as cases of sexual abuse, have also surfaced, with the paramilitary forces facing accusations of committing these violations and war crimes.
Furthermore, another source confirmed to SIHA that they witnessed numerous women and/or girls being held captive, bound and kept in vehicles in the Wadaah area of North Darfur State, Southeast of Al-Fashir.
The witness emphasized that these incidents were publicly visible, leaving no room to doubt their occurrence. The observer also pointed out that the appearance of the women and/or girls suggested they were likely from Northern Sudan.
On July 13, ICC Prosecutor Khan informed the Security Council that his office has been investigating fresh allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity by RSF elements in Sudan.
Mr Khan stated that he has given “clear instructions” to prioritize crimes against children and crimes of sexual and gender-based violence.
RSF leaders have admitted that their troops committed human rights violations and pledged to hold the culprits accountable.
(ST)