Horrifying narratives are emerging from women who have managed to escape Al-Fashir in North Darfur. These firsthand reports detail extensive brutality and abuse after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized control of the city.
Survivors recount witnessing acts of murder, widespread systematic sexual assault, and the disappearance of children.
These alleged atrocities unfolded as the RSF consolidated its power throughout the Darfur region during its ongoing war against the Sudanese army.
Sexual Assault as a Military Tactic
The severity of the crisis was confirmed by the Regional Director for East and Southern Africa for the U.N. women’s division. She asserted that sexual violence is now intentionally and systematically being deployed as a weapon of conflict.
She starkly warned: “Women’s bodies have become a crime scene in Sudan.” Furthermore, she added, “There are no safe spaces left.”
The risk remains just as high for those unable to leave Al-Fashir. An estimated 11 million women and girls are currently enduring acute food insecurity. Many risk sexual violence simply by attempting to gather basic sustenance, like wild berries and leaves.
Dual Crisis: Famine and Siege
A declaration of famine has been formally issued for both Al-Fashir and the southern city of Kadugli. The U.N. Human Rights Chief raised profound concerns regarding ongoing ethnically targeted attacks, rape, and summary executions.
Since the end of October, at least 82,000 people have successfully fled Al-Fashir and its environs. However, aid organizations estimate that up to 200,000 civilians remain trapped within the besieged urban center.
The United Nations is issuing an urgent plea to the international community. Immediate action is needed to stop the violence. The overarching goal is to prevent the humanitarian situation from escalating into an even greater catastrophe.
