Cases of rape by RSF soldiers unearthed in South Darfur

December 3, 2023 (NYALA) – A local organization dedicated to monitoring and documenting violence against women in South Darfur state, has uncovered new cases of rape perpetrated by Rapid Support Forces (RSF) soldiers against 56 girls.

An official of the women’s rights group disclosed to Sudan Tribune that RSF members had raped 56 girls, including five minors and three male children, with one resulting in death.

He emphasized the severe challenges faced by women in South Darfur, including widespread rape and violence stemming from their affiliation with non-Arab tribes. Additionally, service providers face significant hurdles in reaching survivors due to disrupted communication networks, internet outages, and a lack of funding.

The source further revealed that most of the raped women had sought treatment in Uganda but encountered difficulties in finding specialized psychological support due to a shortage of psychiatrists in Kampala.

The local organization is currently conducting a 16-day campaign against gender-based violence, which commenced on November 25 and will continue until December 10.

In a concerning post on X Sunday, Hala Alkarib, SIHA regional director, revealed that they have received corroborated reports from various communities around Khartoum indicating that RSF elements are systematically targeting and violating families of Christian descent, who are primarily from the Nuba Mountains region.

In a statement issued last September, Salima Ishaq, Director of the Unit for Combating Violence against Women and Children, reported that the number of girls subjected to rape and sexual violence since the outbreak of the conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF had climbed to approximately 136 cases in Khartoum, and 46 in Darfur.

(ST)