In the ongoing conflict in Sudan, over 370 rapes have been reported, including 131 of young girls

May 25, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – The United Against Rape and Sexual Violence in Sudan campaign has documented 377 cases of rape since the conflict began in April 2023, including 131 cases involving young girls.

The campaign’s latest report describes the shocking reality of sexual violence in the country. 99 cases were 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 highlights that such crimes are underreported due to communication breakdowns, the conservative nature of Sudanese society and the stigma associated with sexual violence. Najla Mohammed, a member of the campaign, expressed deep concern about the increasing number of child rape cases and the devastating psychological and physical consequences these cases have.

Survivors face enormous challenges in seeking justice and reporting these crimes due to societal stigma, a fragile justice 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 uncovered a rise in abuses and crimes against civilians, especially women and girls, by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Their report contains detailed accounts of killings, torture, systematic looting and sexual violence, including rape and gang rape. The RSF is also accused of breaking into private homes and extorting money and gold from families.

The violence has displaced countless families, who are often pursued and harassed by the RSF while fleeing. In a recent incident on May 15, a public transport bus was looted and passengers attacked, resulting in the death of 23-year-old Samah Mutawakel.

The report calls on Sudanese civil society to give victims a voice, expose the RSF’s atrocities and demand an immediate end to the hostilities and rampant sexual violence plaguing the country.