Sexual violence increasingly used as 'weapon of war' in Sudan, UN says

What Happened

The UN Human Rights Office reported that it has verified 546 incidents of conflict-related sexual violence—including gang-rape and sexual slavery—in Sudan since the war began in April 2023, affecting at least 838 victims (539 women, 284 girls, 8 men, and 7 boys). The report attributes the majority of verified cases to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias, while also accusing the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and its allies of sexual violence. UN human rights chief Volker Türk called the acts a 'weapon of war' and stated they amount to war crimes and, if part of a widespread or systematic attack, crimes against humanity. The RSF and SAF have not commented on the report, though both have denied similar allegations in the past. Separately, the UK, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, and Norway issued a joint statement warning of an imminent RSF offensive on el-Obeid, citing drone strikes on civilian infrastructure, attacks on supply routes, and cut-off access to basic services for over half a million people. The statement invoked the precedent of el-Fasher, where a UN report said over 6,000 were killed in three days when the RSF seized the city, assessed to bear 'hallmarks of genocide'.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The UN report represents the most comprehensive documentation yet of systematic sexual violence in Sudan’s civil war, underscoring its use as a deliberate tactic to terrorise civilians. If confirmed as widespread or systematic, it could lay the groundwork for international accountability, including charges of crimes against humanity. Meanwhile, the threat to el-Obeid heightens regional instability: the city’s strategic location in oil-producing Kordofan and its role as a refuge for 200,000 displaced people make a potential assault a major humanitarian and military flashpoint. Control of the area could shift the war’s balance, with implications for the country’s oil supply and territorial control.

Watch For

The RSF’s expected ground assault on el-Obeid, which the European statement says has credible signs of being imminent. International responses, including potential emergency UN Security Council sessions, sanctions designations, or ICC referral, especially in light of the sexual violence report. The RSF and SAF’s reactions to the UN findings, after their history of denial. Also, any new humanitarian evacuation efforts or diplomatic interventions by the Jeddah process mediators (US, Saudi Arabia) or other actors to prevent a repeat of the el-Fasher massacre.