Weaponising Rape: The Continued Gender-Based Violence by RSF in Sudan, with a Focus on Darfur

10:10 AM March, 22 2024

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Weaponising Rape: The Continued Gender-Based Violence by RSF in Sudan, with a Focus on Darfur


The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias have committed war crimes against civilians in Sudan, including using rape as a weapon.
A recent BBC report covered a story of a refugee 19 yours old young women, who fled Darfur, is one such victim. After being gang-raped by RSF fighters, she became pregnant
Over 118 people, including children, have been victims of sexual violence by RSF members since December 2023.
The recent surge in gender-based violence echoes past crimes against women in Darfur, including the brutal mass rapes in Tabit and Tawela.
International law recognises gender-based violence as a war crime and the ICC is investigating war crimes in Darfur.
The international community must take decisive steps to stop the violence, including targeted sanctions and supporting the ICC.
Sudan's breadbasket under siege: RSF empty forced recruitment in al-Jazira.
Urgent humanitarian assistance is needed for Darfur, Sudan, and East Chad.

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to escalate as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allied militias commit heinous war crimes against innocent civilians. The international community's failure to protect the people of Sudan and hold the perpetrators accountable is a grave injustice that cannot be ignored. In observance of International Women's Day this March, this article focuses on the horrific war crimes committed against women since 15th April 2023. It also explores past instances of gender-based violence.

*The Systematic Employment of Gender-Based Violence as an Act of War Crime*

With the ongoing war in Sudan, women and girls continue to bear a disproportionate burden, facing a surge of sexual violence at the hands of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), particularly in Darfur. In August 2023, a report from the Human Rights Watch (HRW) titled “Darfur: Rapid Support Forces, Allied Militias Rape Dozens” sheds light on the harrowing use of rape as a weapon by the RSF. The report documents a systemic and deliberate targeting of women and girls in West Darfur, revealing numerous cases of rape in a few weeks alone (ref 1).

According to Liz Throssell, spokesperson for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), reports from survivors, witnesses, and various sources suggest that over 20 women and girls have been abducted, though the actual number could be higher. Witnesses recount chilling scenes of women and girls reportedly seen in chains on pick-up trucks and cars, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Urging immediate action, Throssell called for the urgent release of the abducted individuals and for those responsible to be held accountable (ref 2).

A report released by OHCHR, on December 15, 2023, disclosed alarming figures: at least 118 individuals, including 19 children, fell victim to sexual violence, including rape, gang rape, and attempted rape. RSF members were implicated in many of these incidents, occurring both in homes and on the streets. The report detailed horrifying instances of prolonged captivity and repeated gang rapes, illustrating the brutality of the assaults. However, the report also highlighted significant challenges in seeking justice. Only four victims of sexual violence were willing and able to report to the authorities, largely due to stigma, distrust of in the justice system, and fear of reprisals, reflecting the daunting obstacles survivors face (ref. 3).

Further testimonies from the Guardian shed light on the extent of the atrocities. Dozens of women and some men from the Ardamata area revealed they were subjected to rape, unwanted advances, or other forms of sexual harassment in November. Zahra Adam, head of a women’s centre in a refugee camp in Adré, recounted how hunger drove victims to seek refuge, only to face further sexual assault (ref 4).

These abhorrent acts of violence are part of a larger pattern aimed at terrorising and displacing the civilian population. As the world grapples with the horrors unfolding in Darfur, the urgency to address the scourge of sexual violence and provide support for survivors has never been more pressing.

It is important to shed the light on the recent BBC piece (ref. 5) that reported the use of rape as a weapon in the current war. This can be summarised in the following points:-

The Sudanese civil war has resulted in widespread use of rape as a weapon of war, with women targeted by the RSF.
Amina, a refugee who fled Darfur, is one such victim. After being gang-raped by RSF fighters, she became pregnant and is now seeking an abortion.
The UN has documented cases of sexual violence and says the true number is likely much higher.

Furthermore, this recent surge in gender-based violence and war crimes echoes the systematic crimes inflicted upon women in Darfur in the past, particularly the brutal mass rapes in Tabit and Tawela (ref. 6, ref. 7).

It is must be emphasised that gender-based crimes committed during wartime are considered war crimes.

International Law: International law, including the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), recognises gender-based violence as a serious violation of the laws of war (ref. 8).
Specific Crimes: Acts like rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, and other forms of sexual violence can be prosecuted as war crimes (ref. 9).
Targeting Civilians: These crimes often target civilians, particularly women and girls, and are used as a weapon of war to inflict fear and humiliation (ref. 9).

The international community must act swiftly and decisively to put an end to these atrocities and ensure justice for the victims. Pressure must be exerted on the perpetrators of war crimes to halt the violence and face prosecution for their actions. The people of Darfur deserve protection, accountability, and a future free from fear and conflict.


*US Collaboration with ICC in Investigating War Crimes in Sudan, Diplomat Confirms*

The US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, Beth Van Schaack, in a recent interview for the World Radio (ref. 10), talked about the devastating conflict in Sudan, where two rival generals have displaced 10 million people and caused the deaths of 15,000 civilians. The International Criminal Court (ICC), with the support of the US, is investigating war crimes in Sudan, particularly in Darfur, where ethnic killings and widespread violence persist. The US Ambassador-at-Large, highlights the urgent need for accountability and efforts to bring perpetrators to justice. Despite challenges, the ICC's investigation, with US support, offers a glimmer of hope for eventual accountability and justice in Darfur.

*Sudan's Breadbasket Under Siege: RSF Accused of Forced Recruitment*

Sudan's breadbasket, al-Jazira state, is now under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF has been accused of using food as a weapon, withholding supplies from the hungry in a bid to coerce men and boys to join its ranks.

The report by Nima el-Bagir for CNN (ref. 11), mentioned that over the past three months, nearly 700 men and 65 children have been forcibly recruited by the RSF in Jazira state alone. Eyewitnesses reported that the RSF used intimidation, torture, summary execution and the withholding of food and medical aid to compel people to join.

*The Imperative for Global Intervention*

The Union urges the international community to take decisive steps, including:

Impose targeted sanctions on individuals and entities involved in committing crimes in Sudan.
Support the International Criminal Court (ICC) in investigating and prosecuting those responsible for war crimes, including sexual violence. This includes providing resources for witness protection and ensuring the safety of those who come forward.
Hold the leaders of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) accountable for the crimes against humanity and war crimes they have committed against the people of Darfur, including Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, Abdelrahim Hamdan Dagalo (sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury (ref. 12)), Algony Hamdan Dagalo, and Abdelrahman Juma Barak Allah (also sanctioned by the US Treasury (ref. 12)). It is also important to support the ICC on the ongoing cases (Abdelrahman Kushayb, ref. 13) and also to bring to Justice those ICC indictees who are still at large (Omar al-Bashir (ref. 14), Abdelrahim Mohammed Hussein (ref. 15) and Ahmed Haroun (ref. 16)).
Provide a mandate and the support needed to the Joint Forces, which are made up of signatories to the Juba Peace Agreement, to expand their areas of operation and protect civilians.
Put pressure on the fighting groups in Darfur and Sudan to stop shelling civilian areas, stop the war and for the RSF to withdraw from occupied neighborhoods, including Darfur, Khartoum، Wad Madani and other cities.
Increase humanitarian assistance to Darfur, Sudan and East Chad through the Port Sudan and Douala port, Cameroon. The situation in East Chad is dire to say the least. The lack of food, medical supplies and outbreak of the malaria and other infectious diseases are pushing the situation towards a disaster if immediate actions are not put in place.
Reactivation of Chapter VII of the UN Charter: The time for half-measures is over. The international community must send a clear message that impunity will not be tolerated. Reactivating Chapter VII, which authorises the use of force to maintain international peace and security, could be a necessary step to curb the violence and protect civilians.

*Conclusion*

The international community's failure to respond effectively to the crisis in Sudan leaves girls and women bearing the brunt of the war. This negligence perpetuates a cycle of violence, with impunity fueling further atrocities. Clear action is needed to ensure their protection and hold perpetrators accountable. The world must move beyond empty statements and take concrete steps to deliver justice and respect. The future of Sudan and Darfur hangs in the balance.

DARFUR Union in the UK
Website: https://darfurunionuk.wordpress.comhttps://darfurunionuk.wordpress.com

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