Sexual Violence in the Sudan War: Harrowing Testimonies from Survivors Reveal the Horrors of Violations

12th February 2025

2 minutes read

Sexual Violence in the Sudan War: Harrowing Testimonies from Survivors Reveal the Horrors of Violations

Since the outbreak of war in Sudan in April 2023, sexual violence has escalated alarmingly, with numerous reports of brutal violations committed by the army against women and girls in conflict zones. Reports indicate that these crimes are being used as a weapon of war to terrorize communities and dismantle the social fabric.

The Suffering of Women in Sudan: Sexual Violence and House Looting Under Military Repression
Sudanese Women under Fire: Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War and International Condemnation of Army Violations

Survivors’ Testimonies

In Al-Jazirah State, the local Ministry of Health reported that 27 women and girls, aged between 6 and 60, had been raped or sexually assaulted. These documented cases represent only a small fraction of the violations occurring on a much larger scale. According to the United Nations Population Fund, these figures are “preliminary information,” suggesting that the actual number of victims may be significantly higher.

In the Darfur region, particularly in the city of El Geneina, survivors from the Massalit tribe have shared accounts of mass rape and sexual assaults. A 15-year-old girl witnessed her parents being murdered before being raped by five armed soldiers. Another young woman, aged 19, was abducted and subjected to sexual violence for three days. These testimonies highlight the use of sexual violence as a tool for terrorizing and humiliating local communities.

In the capital, Khartoum, reports indicate that women are being forced into sexual relations with army members in exchange for food and basic necessities. One woman stated that she had to do so to feed her family, including her elderly parents and her daughter. These practices expose the horrific exploitation of civilians’ desperate needs in wartime.

International Reactions

The United Nations and human rights organizations have condemned these violations, stating that sexual violence is being used as a weapon of war in Sudan. They have called for perpetrators to be held accountable and stressed the urgent need to provide psychological and medical support for survivors.

Challenges and Concerns

Survivors of sexual violence face multiple challenges, including social stigma and fear of retaliation, which prevent many from reporting these crimes. Additionally, affected areas suffer from a severe lack of medical and psychological services necessary to support victims.

Sexual violence in armed conflicts constitutes a war crime that requires a decisive response from the international community. Efforts must be strengthened to document these crimes, provide necessary support to survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable to prevent these atrocities from recurring in the future.