Urgent Concerns Over Sexual Violence in Khartoum Amid Ongoing Conflict
Human Rights Watch, based in New York City, has issued a grave warning about the rampant sexual violence plaguing Khartoum, the war-ravaged capital of Sudan.
According to HRW, countless women and girls—ranging from ages 9 to 60—have faced egregious sexual violence at the hands of rival factions. Furthermore, these groups have obstructed survivors’ access to essential healthcare services.
In its latest report, “Khartoum is Not Safe for Women,” the organization compiled harrowing testimonies from 42 healthcare professionals and emergency responders about incidents of sexual violence, along with forced and child marriages. These occurrences surged following the outbreak of conflict in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
From April until February 2024, just 18 healthcare providers in Greater Khartoum, which includes Omdurman across the Nile, treated 262 survivors of sexual violence.
However, first responders caution that the reported figures represent only a sliver of the reality, as many survivors either cannot or choose not to seek emergency medical attention.
“The RSF has subjected innumerable women and girls in residential neighborhoods to rape, gang rape, and coerced marriage,” stated Laetitia Bader, HRW’s deputy director for Africa.
“The terror inflicted by these armed factions leaves women and girls feeling trapped, as both sides obstruct access to critical aid and support,” she added, stating the compounded danger makes feeling secure a distant dream.
Details within the 88-page report also shed light on situations that may equate to sexual slavery.
While the RSF has predominantly been identified as the primary perpetrator of these systematic acts of sexual violence, reports also point to instances involving soldiers from the army.
HRW notes a noticeable rise in such incidents since the army regained control of Omdurman in early 2024.
Inability to Access Care
Throughout Sudan, survivors recount debilitating physical injuries caused by sexual assaults, sometimes involving multiple attackers.
Among the individuals treated by healthcare professionals, “at least four women succumbed to their injuries,” according to HRW.
Women who become pregnant as a result of these assaults face severe challenges regarding abortion access and are further at risk of violence and social ostracism. Many have reported being abandoned by their families.
As the army tightens its grip on RSF-controlled territories, effectively besieging these areas, even medical and humanitarian aid has been severely restricted for over a year. Local volunteers in emergency rooms have stepped into leadership roles in responding to incidents of sexual violence.
However, these volunteers have also become targets, with RSF fighters perpetrating sexual violence against the very service providers hoping to assist the victims.
HRW denounces the widespread sexual violence attributed to the RSF as “war crimes and crimes against humanity,” while viewing attacks on healthcare from both factions as well within the scope of “war crimes.”
The organization has called on the African Union and the United Nations to “swiftly deploy a civilian protection force” to address the crisis in northeastern Africa.
Throughout this conflict, tens of thousands have lost their lives, with estimates suggesting the toll could be as high as 150,000.
The strife has resulted in an unprecedented displacement crisis, forcing over 10.7 million individuals within Sudan—now teetering on the edge of famine—to flee their homes; additionally, more than 2 million people have sought refuge in neighboring countries.
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