In the context of the scorching armed conflicts that are shaking Sudan, sexual violence against women has reached an alarming scale. Reports indicate a resurgence of these atrocities, with the Rapid Support Forces, led by the fearsome General Hemedti, being the main culprits. Originating from the Janjaweed militias implicated in the genocide in Darfur, these paramilitaries perpetuate a cycle of terror and humiliation across Sudanese territory.
The harrowing story of Fatima, a young woman of 28, reveals the horror experienced by many other victims. Abducted by soldiers of the Rapid Support Forces, she is accused of collusion with the enemy and is then repeatedly raped in inhumane conditions. The damning testimonies reveal a sex slave trade operated by the paramilitaries, plunging hundreds of women into an endless nightmare.
Fatima’s story also reveals the oppressive silence that weighs on the survivors of this violence. Undermined by shame and social stigma, these women endure a double ordeal, suffering not only the abuse of their aggressors but also the indifference and even rejection of those around them. In Sudan, the weight of traditions and cultural norms hinders the freedom of speech, reinforcing the cycle of violence and impunity.
Despite the hopes raised by the revolution that overthrew the regime of Omar al-Bashir, Sudanese women remain the first victims of the clashes. Four years after this uprising that brought promises of change, the reality on the ground shows a dramatic decline in women’s rights, trapped in a war that destroys bodies and souls.
Faced with this human tragedy unfolding before our eyes, it is crucial to break the silence, denounce the impunity of the perpetrators and support the survivors in their quest for justice and reparation. Indifference is not an option, and combating sexual violence must be a top priority for any society that aspires to justice and human dignity. Sudan must hear the voices of women who are victims of this barbarity and act to end this spiral of horror that devours innocence and life.