The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, originally formed from Janjaweed militias by former President Omar al-Bashir, are accused of committing widespread sexual violence and other crimes during the conflict in Khartoum. Human Rights Watch has documented these acts, calling them “war crimes and crimes against humanity.” The RSF, along with the military, have been blamed for the atrocities, including rape and attacks on health facilities.
Despite denials from the RSF, they have not conducted effective investigations into allegations of sexual violence by their forces. The group has called on the African Union and the United Nations to deploy a mission to protect civilians in Sudan and prevent sexual and gender-based violence.
Recent clashes in eastern Sudan and al-Fasher have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the country, with 755,000 people facing famine and 8.5 million facing extreme food shortages. The United Nations and African Union are being urged to take action to hold those responsible for the ongoing violence to account and to provide protection for civilians in Sudan.
The situation in Sudan remains dire, with continued violence and human rights abuses creating a humanitarian crisis that requires immediate international intervention.
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