Amnesty Exposes RSF’s Use of Sexual Violence as Weapon of War in Sudan

A disturbing new report by Amnesty International has laid bare the systematic use of sexual violence by Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as a weapon of war. The 30-page document outlines brutal cases of rape, gang rape, and sexual slavery, labeling them as war crimes and possible crimes against humanity.

Since the outbreak of Sudan’s civil war on April 15, 2023, the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces have been locked in a devastating power struggle, splitting the country and plunging civilians into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The violence has killed tens of thousands and displaced over 12 million people, according to the UN.

Amnesty’s report documents at least 36 known cases of sexual violence against women and girls, some as young as 15, across four states from April 2023 to October 2024. Survivors recounted horrific experiences—one woman was raped repeatedly for 30 days, another was assaulted after RSF fighters tore her baby away while she was breastfeeding.

“The RSF’s assaults on Sudanese women and girls are sickening, depraved and aimed at inflicting maximum humiliation,” Amnesty said in the report.

Deprose Muchena, a senior Amnesty official, emphasized the need for urgent international intervention:

“RSF forces have targeted civilians, particularly women and girls, with unimaginable cruelty during this war.”

The report highlights that these acts are part of a broader RSF strategy to humiliate, control, and forcibly displace communities, particularly in Khartoum, Darfur, and other conflict zones.

Global Pressure Mounts

Amnesty is calling on the international community to take concrete action:

• Cut off weapons supplies to RSF

• Demand accountability from top commanders

• Apply pressure to halt the sexual violence and other war crimes

The UN has also confirmed widespread sexual violence, holding RSF responsible for the majority of cases. Both the RSF and Sudanese military are currently under U.S. sanctions and have been accused of looting, civilian home invasions, and other abuses.

On the diplomatic front, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio have urged both sides to return to peace talks, protect civilians, and reopen humanitarian corridors.

Yet, despite multiple failed rounds of negotiations, hopes for a resolution remain uncertain as RSF violence continues unchecked.

As the world watches, the women of Sudan are left paying the highest price in a war they did not start.