Over 370 rapes reported in Sudan ongoing conflict, including 131 against young girls
May 25, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – A campaign dedicated to combating rape and sexual violence in Sudan, “Together Against Rape and Sexual Violence,” has documented 377 cases of rape since the onset of the conflict in April 2023, including 131 cases involving young girls.
The campaign’s latest report details the harrowing reality of sexual violence in the country, with 99 cases documented in North Darfur, 89 in Al Jazirah, 56 in Central Darfur, 55 in Khartoum, and 22 in Al-Obeid. The remaining cases are spread across other regions.
The report underscores the underreporting of such crimes due to communication disruptions, the conservative nature of Sudanese society, and the stigma associated with sexual violence. Najla Mohammed, a member of the campaign, expressed deep concern over the rising number of child rape cases and the devastating psychological and physical consequences they endure.
Survivors face immense challenges in seeking justice and reporting these crimes due to social stigma, a fragile judicial system, inadequate protection programs, and a lack of legal, psychological, and medical support.
In Al Jazirah state, the SIHA network of women in the Horn of Africa has revealed a surge in violations and crimes against civilians, particularly women and girls, perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Their report details accounts of killings, torture, systematic looting, and sexual violence, including rape and gang rape. The RSF has also been accused of invading homes and extorting families for money and gold.
The violence has displaced countless families, who are often pursued and harassed by the RSF even as they flee. A recent incident on May 15 involved a public transport bus being looted and passengers attacked, resulting in the death of 23-year-old Samah Mutawakel.
The report calls upon Sudanese civil society to amplify the voices of victims, expose the RSF’s atrocities, and demand an immediate end to the hostilities and the rampant sexual violence plaguing the country.