Persistent Sexual Violence in Sudan's South Kordofan: Human Rights Watch Report Highlights War Crimes

 In a report released on Monday, Human Rights Watch (HRW) documented harrowing accounts of sexual violence perpetrated against women in Sudan's South Kordofan state by members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias. The findings detail cases of women being repeatedly raped and, in some instances, held as sex slaves—a grim indictment of the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

The RSF has not issued an immediate response to these allegations. Historically, the group has denied accusations of systematic abuses during the 20-month conflict with Sudan’s army, a war that has led to the displacement of over 12 million people and devastated the nation.

Documented Violations and Testimonies

HRW, a New York-based human rights organization, reported 79 cases of rape, including instances involving girls as young as seven years old. The report draws on interviews with seven survivors, one of whom described being detained alongside 50 other women and subjected to repeated sexual violence over a three-month period.

The attacks have reportedly targeted women from the Nuba ethnic group, with HRW asserting that these acts constitute war crimes. Survivors recounted experiences of gang rape, some in front of their families, while others endured prolonged abuse during captivity.

Belkis Wille, Associate Crisis and Conflict Director at HRW, condemned the atrocities:

"Survivors described being gang raped in front of their families or over prolonged periods, including while being held as sex slaves by RSF fighters."

The report also describes how women attempting to escape were chained together and confined in makeshift enclosures constructed from wires and tree branches.

Ethnic Targeting and War Crimes Accusations

The report underscores ethnic targeting, quoting a Nuba woman who recounted the attackers’ dehumanizing remarks:

"As they raped us, they said to each other, 'These Nuba are our slaves; we can do anything we want.'"

Most of these reported assaults occurred after the RSF launched attacks on Habila and other settlements on December 31, 2023. The region remains contested, with Sudan's army and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), a rebel group primarily comprising Nuba members, controlling parts of the state.

Wider Context of Alleged Abuses

This is not the first time the RSF has faced serious accusations. In 2023, the United States accused the RSF of crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing in West Darfur, particularly targeting the Massalit ethnic group. While the RSF has denied these allegations, it has occasionally pledged to investigate individual cases.

Sudan's army has also been implicated in war crimes, including indiscriminate airstrikes in RSF-held areas and obstructing humanitarian aid—charges both the U.S. and UN experts have leveled against the military. The army has denied these allegations.

A War’s Costly Toll

The conflict between Sudan's army and the RSF erupted in April 2023 due to disagreements over integrating the two forces during Sudan’s democratic transition. The RSF quickly gained control over significant parts of the country, but recent developments indicate the army has made gains in Khartoum and other southern regions.

The Human Rights Watch report adds to the mounting evidence of severe violations against civilians, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention and accountability mechanisms to address the ongoing atrocities in Sudan.