Since Sudan's civil war erupted in April 2023, rights groups have recorded at least 1,294 instances of sexual and gender-based violence across 14 states. The Rapid Support Forces bear responsibility for 87 percent of these attacks, often using them to terrorize civilians. This pattern devastates communities and displaces millions.
The Ongoing Conflict in Sudan
The war pits the Sudanese Armed Forces against the paramilitary RSF, leading to tens of thousands dead and over 12 million displaced. Fighting has spread from Khartoum to Darfur and Kordofan, worsening a humanitarian crisis. Aid reaches few amid blackouts and blockades.
Sexual violence serves as a tool to humiliate and control populations. Reports show RSF fighters target women from non-Arab tribes like Masalit and Fur in Darfur. In Al-Gezira, assailants select victims based on age and skin tone.
Patterns of RSF Attacks
RSF operations follow a three-phase strategy during advances. First, they invade homes, loot, and assault residents. Next, attacks occur in public spaces. Finally, victims face detention with torture and repeated rape.
In el-Fasher, captured in October 2025, survivors described ambushes where men were executed and women raped. One group fleeing the city saw fighters separate genders before assaults. Such tactics amount to war crimes.
According to Amnesty International, these violations may constitute crimes against humanity due to their widespread nature. The group documented cases in Nyala and Madani where women endured gang rapes in front of family.
Survivor Accounts Reveal Brutality
A young man fleeing el-Fasher with family lost his wife to shrapnel. Captured by RSF, he witnessed executions of unarmed men. Fighters declared no civilians existed in the city. He escaped with orphaned children.
Another survivor, a mother, fled with her daughter. RSF fighters assaulted both in a field. The daughter later confided in her mother but fell ill and died soon after. Such tragedies highlight the physical and emotional toll.
In Khartoum, a nurse was abducted to treat RSF wounded. When unable to save one, she faced gang rape by multiple soldiers. She described feeling broken and humiliated.
UN experts report at least 330 cases of conflict-related sexual violence since 2025. Many involve abductions into sexual slavery. Survivors in displacement camps face ongoing risks.
One analyst noted that RSF uses these acts to force communities into submission. Deprose Muchena from Amnesty stated the assaults aim at maximum humiliation. Victims often lack medical care, leading to suicides in some villages.
Recent Incidents in el-Fasher
As RSF seized el-Fasher, reports emerged of mass rapes among fleeing women. Sudan Doctors Network documented 19 cases at al-Afad camp, including two pregnant victims. Ages ranged from teens to young adults.
Amnesty gathered testimonies from 28 survivors who reached Tawila or Chad. They described streets littered with bodies and ransom demands for captives. Fighters laughed during killings.
A captive recounted being blindfolded and moved, with executions filmed to pressure families. These methods show organized cruelty.
Global Reactions and Demands
The UN human rights chief warned of mass atrocities in Kordofan after similar ignored alerts for el-Fasher. The council launched an investigation into Darfur abuses.
The US and UK pledged to curb external support for warring parties. Sanctions targeted recruiters supplying fighters to RSF. Experts urge extending the UN arms embargo nationwide.
According to Volker Turk, the true death toll remains hidden due to access issues. Aid groups call for safe corridors to protect civilians.
Social media amplifies survivor voices, urging arms embargoes. Activists highlight UAE's alleged role in arming RSF, fueling the violence.
Long-Term Impacts on Victims
Survivors suffer lasting harm, including injuries and mental trauma. Many flee homes, ending up in refugee camps without support. Stigma prevents reporting, understating the crisis.
Health systems collapse, denying post-rape care. Maternal deaths rise amid unsafe conditions. Children witnessing assaults face nightmares.
Rights groups push for justice, reparations, and health services. International pressure must target RSF leaders for accountability.
This exposure underscores the dire need for immediate global intervention in Sudan. Addressing sexual violence requires ending the war and ensuring protections for vulnerable groups.
