The RSF (Rapid Support Forces) have nearly completed their takeover of the city of Darfur from the Sudanese army, with allegations of war crimes and genocide already surfacing, as reported by Al Jazeera. Women and girls, in particular, face heightened risks of sexual abuse from this paramilitary group.

The OHCHR has called on both parties to the conflict to end violations of humanitarian and human rights law, expressing specific concerns about widespread violations by the RSF, including enforced disappearances, forced labor, and sexual exploitation of women and girls. Reports show that hundreds of women have been detained by the RSF, subjected to sexual assault, and are vulnerable to sexual slavery.

Moreover, the UN assistance mission in Sudan – the joint OHCHR-UNITAMS office – has documented over 50 cases of sexual violence against 105 victims, primarily women and children. Most of these assaults was either rape or gang rape. Human Rights Watch estimates that between one and six armed assailants were responsible for acts of sexual violence. Furthermore, those accountable for the sexual assaults were frequently found to be involved in other severe offences such as assaults, homicides, plunder, and the destruction of residences, businesses, or government structures.

In response to these grave violations, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called on senior officials of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), the RSF, and affiliated armed groups to enforce a policy of zero tolerance for sexual violence within their ranks. 

Concerns have already been raised in August by Human Rights Watch, with Belkis Wille, associate crisis and conflict director stating: “The UN Security Council should show those responsible for abuses that the world is watching by taking urgent steps to bring an end to these atrocities.”

The alarming escalation of sexual violence against women and girls in the Sudan civil war demands immediate global attention and condemnation. The blatant disregard for human rights and the systemic nature of these abuses paint a harrowing picture of the consequences of armed conflict. The international community must prioritise decisive action to protect the most vulnerable populations and hold perpetrators accountable for their heinous crimes.

The civil war in Sudan, initially sparked by clashes between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF in April, has devolved into a brutal conflict with devastating consequences.  According to available reports, thousands have died, over 5.7 million are displaced, and around 25 million are dependent on humanitarian aid, both within and outside the nation. Actions that have been carried out by the paramilitary group undoubtedly breach international law and the Geneva Conventions. In particular, Common article 3 of the 1949 Conventions as well as customary international law prohibit rape and other forms of sexual violence. Rape and other sexual violence committed in the context of an armed conflict is a war crime, and if part of a widespread or systematic attack by a government or armed group on a civilian population, can amount to crimes against humanity. The government must indeed provide risk mitigation for gender-based violence. 

According to Stratfor Worldview, while the RSF has made gains as of late, neither faction seems on the brink of an outright triumph, exacerbating the humanitarian fallout and deepening political rifts. The prospect of a peace agreement appears remote, with the involvement of multiple armed groups and the resurgence of historical grievances complicating efforts for demobilisation and de-escalation. The likelihood of incessant conflicts is heightened, underscoring the imperative for international intervention and diplomatic initiatives to address the ongoing crisis urgently.