Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allies are reported to have committed “staggering” levels of sexual abuse, raping civilians as troops advanced and abducted some women as sex slaves during the war, a U.N. mission said on Tuesday.
Reports projected by the U.N. fact finding mission indicate that victims have ranged between eight and 75 years, , with most sexual violence committed by the RSF and allied Arab militia in an attempt to terrorize and punish people for perceived links to enemies.
Mission Chair Mohamed Chande Othman, in a statement emphasized the scale of sexual violence which had been duly recorded in an attached 80-page report based on interviews with victims, families and witnesses. “The sheer scale of sexual violence we have documented in Sudan is staggering,” he said.
The RSF in question, has refused to make any comments in direct regards to the matter to journalists but previously said it would investigate allegations and bring perpetrators to justice.
The Rapid Support forces has been in a tight exchange of barrage in Sudan for more than 18-months. The conflict has claimed dozens of lives and displaced many in Sudan.