Report

Report Reveals Rape of 33 Displaced Women, Including Minors, in Darfur Over One Month Period

The African Center for Justice and Peace Studies has stated that it has received credible information regarding the sexual assault of approximately 33 displaced women in the Kalma camp in South Darfur, occurring between November 13th and December 20th, 2023, by members of the Rapid Support Forces and allied armed militias.

According to the report, the actual number of victims is likely higher, but many cases are concealed due to stigma and the lack of effective police centers to report violations.

Victims’ Testimonies

The African Center for Justice and Peace Studies conducted interviews with some of the victims who recounted their harrowing experiences.

One victim (24 years old), residing in Zone 7 of the Kalma camp, stated that on December 25th, 2023, around 09:00 AM, she was on her way from the camp to her workplace in Nyala when three armed men wearing Rapid Support Forces uniforms stopped her in the Berley Valley. They demanded identification and her destination. When she answered, they approached her, pointed their weapons at her, and forcefully grabbed her, ordering her not to resist. One of them stripped her of her clothes and assaulted her in front of his comrades. After the despicable act, they left her lying there. She endured severe pain until around 1:30 PM when she managed to return to the camp and receive medical care.

Another victim (23 years old), residing in Zone 8 of the Kalma camp, recounted that on December 24th, 2023, around 04:00 PM, while working on a farm, four masked armed men with automatic rifles approached them. Two were dressed in Rapid Support Forces uniforms, while the other two wore civilian clothes and rode camels. They threatened them with death if they didn’t comply with their orders, tied their hands, and took them to the farm where they were assaulted. After the men left, they managed to return to the camp around 07:00 PM and receive medical care.

On December 20th, 2023, around 05:00 PM, five armed men on motorcycles stopped two displaced girls from Zone 7 of the Kalma camp, threatening them with death if they resisted. The men took turns assaulting the girls before leaving.

On December 12th, 2023, around 10:00 AM, four armed men on motorcycles assaulted three women aged between 28 and 42 from the Kalma camp as they were collecting firewood. The men, dressed in attire resembling Rapid Support Forces uniforms, fired shots randomly before assaulting the women under threat. The women managed to return to the camp around 08:00 PM but did not receive medical care until three days later.

On November 13th, 2023, around 11:00 AM, two girls aged 15 and 12 from Zone 4 of the Kalma camp were stopped by two armed men riding camels as they were heading towards a street in the northern part of the camp. The girls were threatened with weapons before being sexually assaulted.

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