According to reports by The Guardian, women in Sudan, particularly those residing in conflict-affected regions, have been coerced into sexual exploitation by soldiers in exchange for food to support their families. This tragic phenomenon underscores the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan, where women have become victims of systemic abuse amidst a backdrop of civil war and widespread displacement.
The Harrowing Reality for Women in Sudan
According to accounts from over two dozen women who managed to escape from Omdurman, the dire situation has forced them into unbearable choices. The women in Sudan, seeking to provide for their families, were compelled to engage in sexual activities with soldiers as their only means of obtaining food or sellable goods.
One woman recounted her ordeal to The Guardian, revealing how she was coerced into sexual acts with soldiers stationed at factories where food was stored. She described her desperation, stating, “Both of my parents are too old and sick, and I never let my daughter go out to look for food. I went to the soldiers, and that was the only way to get food; they were everywhere in the factory area.”
The conflict, which erupted on April 15 of the previous year, has led to catastrophic consequences for the Sudanese population. The civil war between the national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, with some estimates reaching up to 150,000. The conflict has also triggered a displacement crisis of unprecedented scale, with over 11 million people forced from their homes and the country teetering on the brink of famine.
Reports of widespread rape and sexual violence have emerged from women living in areas controlled by the RSF. These women in Sudan have been subjected to systematic abuse, including being forced into sexual acts in exchange for access to vacant homes and items that could be sold in markets. One woman described the trauma of her experience, stating that she was only allowed to collect food, kitchen items, and perfumes from empty houses after engaging in sexual activities with soldiers. “What I went through is indescribable; I would not wish it on an enemy… I only did it because I wanted to feed my children,” she said.
The Struggles of Women in Sudan Amidst Systematic Abuse
The situation for women in Sudan is further compounded by the failure of aid organizations to effectively reach those in need. Although the UN’s World Food Programme has reported recent food deliveries in the Khartoum area, the women interviewed by The Guardian stated that they had not seen any international aid reaching their communities. This lack of adequate assistance exacerbates their plight, leaving many women with no choice but to turn to increasingly desperate and dangerous measures to survive.
Eyewitnesses have reported seeing soldiers bringing women in Sudan to vacant houses, where they were forced to line up and were selected based on their appearance. One resident described the horrifying scene, noting, “A lot of women come and queue outside our neighborhood. I sometimes hear screaming, but what can you do? Nothing.”
In addition to the systematic sexual exploitation, there have been reports of severe punishment for women who resist. A 21-year-old woman shared her experience of torture and abuse after she refused to continue engaging in sexual activities with soldiers. She was subjected to physical violence, including having her legs burned, after initially consenting to sex in exchange for permission to loot houses. She said, “I was told by the soldiers that I was full of myself for refusing to go with them.”
The testimonies from a soldier, who admitted to witnessing such exploitation, reveal the pervasive nature of this abuse. Although he claimed he never participated in the acts himself, he described the situation as morally abhorrent, stating, “It’s awful. The amount of sin in this city can never be forgiven.”
The plight of women in Sudan amidst this ongoing conflict highlights the urgent need for increased humanitarian aid and protection for vulnerable populations. As the international community grapples with the complexities of the Sudanese crisis, the stories of these women serve as a stark reminder of the profound human suffering caused by war and the desperate need for effective interventions to safeguard those most at risk.
You might also be interested in: Another African nation goes into battle: Hundreds killed, thousands injured as Sudan army fights paramilitary to power
