A Sudanese woman, a rape survivor, holds her baby in her arms in an apartment in Khartoum, Sudan, on April 25, 2026. The woman, Nesma, affectionately plays with her baby on her lap. The child bears her mother’s eyes and smile but nothing from her father, one of three paramilitary fighters who raped her at a gathering two years ago in Khartoum.
Nesma, a 26-year-old graduate, recalls vividly the faces of her attackers. She shares her story with the media, having met several rape victims across war-torn Sudan. One such victim is Yasser, a child born from rapes since the conflict began between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023.
Nesma had fled the Sudanese capital with her family at the start of the war. A year later, she had to return to retrieve official documents. In the midst of the factories in northern Khartoum, FSR fighters stopped her bus, separated men from women, and assaulted Nesma along with two others. The traumatic experience caused her to realize her pregnancy five months later.
The story of Nesma is one among many victims of systematic sexual violence by the RSF in Sudan. The impact of such violence, leading to unwanted pregnancies and emotional trauma, is a prevalent issue affecting many women and young girls in the country.
The article sheds light on the challenges faced by survivors of sexual violence, including the social stigma, lack of legal support, and difficulties in obtaining necessary documents for their children. It also highlights the broader implications of such violence on the fabric of society.
The accounts of survivors like Nesma, Fayha, Hayat, and others underscore the urgent need for support, protection, and justice for victims of sexual violence in Sudan. In a country where rape is used as a weapon of war, these stories serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggles and resilience of women and children affected by conflict.
By sharing these stories, the hope is to raise awareness, advocate for better protection and support for survivors, and work towards a future where such atrocities are not repeated.
