A comprehensive study by Médecins Sans Frontières reveals that sexual assault remains a daily reality for women in Sudan, even in regions where active military engagements have ceased.
A new report released by the international medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) describes sexual violence as a “defining feature” of the ongoing civil war in Sudan. The findings indicate that acts of rape and brutality are not confined to active front lines but have become an entrenched part of existence for civilian populations. According to the data, 3,396 survivors sought emergency care at MSF-supported centers in North and South Darfur between January 2024 and November 2025.
The report highlights the “insidious” nature of these crimes in the Darfur region, where the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) maintain significant control. In North Darfur, following the paramilitary takeover of key displacement camps and the city of el-Fasher in late 2024, more than 90% of survivors treated by MSF reported being attacked while attempting to reach safety in the town of Tawila. These assaults were frequently characterized by extreme brutality, including multiple perpetrators and the intimidation of relatives at gunpoint.
Violence Beyond the Battlefield
The study underscores that the shift of active combat does not equate to the cessation of sexual atrocities. In South Darfur—a region currently distant from primary conflict zones—sexual violence has stabilized into a pervasive daily threat. Victims are frequently targeted while performing essential survival tasks; more than 1,300 survivors, representing 56% of those seeking help in the state, were assaulted while gathering water, collecting firewood, or working in agricultural fields.
Perpetrators are overwhelmingly identified as members of armed groups, with 68% of victims in South Darfur attributing the attacks to soldiers or militia members. However, MSF notes that a militarized culture of impunity has also emboldened civilians and criminal gangs to engage in similar abuse. The charity warns that the actual number of incidents is likely significantly higher than reported due to the total collapse of protection services and the intense social stigma surrounding sexual assault.
SOURCES: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Sudan Ministry of Health (Regional), Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Public Statements, UN Population Fund (UNFPA).
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