Reports indicate women in Sudan’s Gezira state have died by suicide following sexual assaults by RSF paramilitary forces during the ongoing civil war. A rights organization revealed to the BBC that they are currently supporting six additional women who are considering suicide due to fears of sexual assault.

The RSF has been accused of various atrocities by the UN, but denies these allegations, stating they lack evidence. The conflict between the army and RSF since April 2023 has resulted in massive casualties and displacement affecting over 11 million people.

UN World Food Programme chief Cindy McCain cautioned that without a ceasefire, Sudan could face an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with potential mass starvation.

Recent attacks in Gezira reportedly followed the defection of a senior RSF commander to the army. The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (Siha) confirmed three suicides in the region following sexual assaults, including incidents in Al Seriha and Ruffa. Video evidence of alleged RSF violence in Al Seriha has been verified by the BBC.

The UN has documented at least 400 cases of conflict-related sexual violence through July 2024, with victims ranging from 8 to 75 years old. However, the actual number is believed to be much higher. Medical care remains largely inaccessible as most healthcare facilities have been destroyed.

Siha continues to provide support to vulnerable women and girls in the region, including a 13-year-old assault survivor requiring urgent medical attention.