Women in Sudan resort to suicide to escape rapes, sexual violence amid conflict

Reports have emerged of women committing suicide to avoid being raped amid the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan.

Since fighting began in April 2023, gender-based violence has intensified, and women have increasingly been targeted.

As per BBC, Hala al-Karib, director of the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (Siha), confirmed several cases of suicide in Gezira state. She described incidents where women, after being raped by RSF soldiers and witnessing the murder of their male family members, felt they had no other option.

One such case involved a woman who took her own life after being assaulted in front of her father and brother, who were then killed.

Siha has also documented the rape of young girls, including a 13-year-old, who remains in urgent need of medical care. The organisation is offering psychological support to women who have expressed intentions of suicide due to the risk of sexual violence.

Reports indicate that over 130 women may have committed mass suicide to avoid rape by RSF fighters, according to Nigerian TV channel News Central TV.

The United Nations' Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan has accused RSF forces of widespread sexual violence, stating that victims have ranged from eight to 75 years old. The UN report, released in October 2024, highlighted that the scale of sexual violence is likely much higher than documented.

Women have recounted incidents of RSF fighters entering homes and committing sexual violence from the outset of the conflict. While RSF spokesperson Nizar Sayed Ahmed denied these accusations, calling them unsubstantiated, rights groups have continued to report serious violations.

The conflict in Sudan has displaced millions and led to widespread destruction, with women and children facing severe impacts.