Sudan Doctors Network Says RSF Raped At Least 19 Women Fleeing El‑Fasher; More Cases Reported

The Sudan Doctors Network has accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of raping at least 19 women as they fled the city of el‑Fasher in North Darfur, saying two of the victims were pregnant. The group said the assaults were documented among women who sought refuge in the town of al‑Dabba in the neighbouring Northern State.

What the Medical Network Reported

In a statement on X, the Sudan Doctors Network condemned what it called a campaign of sexual violence against women escaping el‑Fasher and urged international pressure on RSF leaders to stop the attacks and allow safe corridors for civilians. The network also said it had documented a further 23 rape cases among women who fled to the nearby town of Tawila, and reported victims' ages ranging from 15 to 23 years.

“The Sudan Doctors Network strongly condemns the gang rape being perpetrated by the RSF against women escaping the horrors of El‑Fasher,” the organisation wrote, calling the assaults a blatant violation of international law.

Context: Violence, Displacement and Famine

Sudan has been engulfed in fighting since April 2023, when clashes erupted between the Sudanese army and the RSF. United Nations estimates place the death toll in the tens of thousands and say more than 12 million people have been displaced, with roughly 30 million in need of humanitarian assistance. The RSF captured el‑Fasher in November after what witnesses and aid groups described as an extended siege that contributed to famine conditions.

The UN has formally declared famine in el‑Fasher and in Kaduguli in South Kordofan, and warned that 20 additional areas across Greater Darfur and Greater Kordofan face the risk of severe hunger. The World Food Programme said it is aiding five million people but warned relief remains far short of needs.

Eyewitness Accounts and International Response

Survivors who fled el‑Fasher reported mass killings, rape, pillage and other atrocities, prompting international condemnation. Amnesty International has accused the RSF of war crimes, and the UN Human Rights Council has ordered an investigation into abuses in el‑Fasher. Officials who visited the area described it as an “absolute horror show” and a “crime scene.”

Mohammed Elsheikh, a spokesperson for the Sudan Doctors Network, told Al Jazeera he was certain sexual violence by RSF fighters is more widespread than reported, saying stigma prevents many survivors from disclosing attacks.

Political And Humanitarian Appeals

Justice Minister Abdullah Dirife said Khartoum remained open to political talks to end the conflict, but insisted any settlement must exclude militias from political and military roles and called for disarmament and the handing over of weapons in defined locations. He also accused the RSF of failing to honour prior agreements such as the Jeddah Declaration.

Humanitarian officials and rights groups have urged urgent international action to protect civilians, investigate allegations of sexual and other atrocities, and expand humanitarian access to prevent further deaths from conflict and hunger.

Key Statements

Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director of the WFP: The agency is providing aid to five million people, including two million in hard‑to‑reach areas, but assistance remains insufficient.

Sudan Doctors Network: Calls for immediate protection for women and girls, respect for international humanitarian law, and safe humanitarian corridors.