The plight of Sudanese women amidst a vicious war and the urgent need for international attention
In 2019, Sudanese women took the lead in the protests that led to the ouster of President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, demanding democracy and change. However, the recent outbreak of a brutal war in Sudan has placed women at the forefront yet again, but this time as victims. Displacement, healthcare crises, and a surge in sexual and gender-based violence have left Sudanese women in a dire situation. The international community must not turn a blind eye to their suffering.
Displacement and Healthcare Crisis
Since the conflict began in mid-April, over six million people have been displaced in Sudan, with an estimated 105,000 pregnant women among them. The United Nations reports that nearly 90% of the 1.2 million refugees who have fled to neighboring countries are women and children. The healthcare system in conflict areas is in shambles, with 70 to 80 percent of hospitals non-operational. This dire situation has severe consequences for women in need of maternal health medicines, exacerbating the already challenging conditions they face.
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
The war in Sudan has also unleashed an epidemic of sexual and gender-based violence. The World Health Organization estimates that over four million women and girls are at risk of sexual violence in Sudan. A UN experts’ report accused both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of violating humanitarian and human rights laws. However, the RSF’s brutal and widespread use of rape and other forms of sexual violence has raised particular alarm. Some of these acts appear to be ethnically and racially motivated, reminiscent of the Darfur crisis two decades ago.
RSF’s Atrocities
Human Rights Watch has documented a “staggering number of rapes and other war crimes” committed by the RSF during attacks on West Darfur’s capital, el-Geneina. The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa has also reported numerous cases of women victimized by the RSF. These include women forcibly disappeared while trying to flee, kidnapped for ransom, and abducted to serve as sex slaves. The stories shared by survivors are harrowing, with one 21-year-old woman recounting multiple instances of rape while being four months pregnant.
International Complicity
Reports of regional powers exacerbating the situation for Sudanese women are deeply troubling. Accusations of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) supplying arms to the RSF have raised concerns. The UAE’s alleged support for the RSF, described as the “worst-kept secret,” demands global attention. The international community, including the UAE, must prioritize peace in Sudan over selfish economic and strategic interests. The UAE’s hosting of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) should not overshadow its responsibility to sever any ties with the RSF and contribute to ending the conflict.
Conclusion:
The plight of Sudanese women in the ongoing war is a distressing reality that demands urgent action. The international community must not look away from the gross human rights abuses being committed. Women’s empowerment is crucial for Sudan’s path towards reconciliation and stability. As the world’s attention is focused on other crises, it is essential for regional and international actors to play a constructive role in bringing peace to Sudan. The suffering of Sudanese women cannot be ignored, and it is the responsibility of all to contribute to their well-being and the overall peace efforts in the country.
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