Several women in Sudan’s central Gezira state have taken their own lives after reportedly being raped by fighters from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to rights groups and activists. The reports emerge amid accusations of “atrocious crimes” by RSF troops, who have been implicated by the UN in acts of mass killings, assaults, and looting in the region.
Human rights groups, who are in contact with several women facing the advancing RSF troops, say six women have expressed fear of sexual assault and are contemplating suicide. In a case confirmed by the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (Siha), three women recently took their lives following rapes in the villages of Al Seriha and Ruffa. One case involved a woman assaulted in front of her father and brother, who were subsequently killed. Hala al-Karib, head of Siha, reported that the figure may be higher given limited communication capabilities in conflict areas.
This wave of violence has been linked to the defection of a senior RSF commander, Abu Aqla Kayka, to the Sudanese army. The RSF reportedly launched a “revenge campaign” in areas once under Kayka’s command, targeting civilians with assaults, looting, and rape, according to Siha.
Online videos purportedly showing dozens of bodies in Al Seriha following alleged RSF massacres have circulated, with Report Verification matching the footage to a mosque courtyard in the village. Although Siha and other groups have documented cases, they warn that limited communication and verification challenges hinder accurate estimates of those affected.
In an 80-page UN report, the scale of sexual violence documented since the conflict began in April 2023 was described as “staggering,” with at least 400 documented survivors, though the real number is expected to be significantly higher. Victims range from as young as eight to as old as 75, many in need of urgent medical treatment amid widespread hospital destruction.
RSF spokesperson Nizar Sayed Ahmed dismissed the allegations as unfounded and called on the UN to send a fact-finding mission to Sudan. However, as the violence escalates, local activists are attempting to provide psychological support and aid to women at risk, including a 13-year-old girl who was gang-raped by RSF troops and urgently needs medical assistance.