Sexual violence is reportedly being used as a weapon in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, according to medical professionals.

NAIROBI, Kenya – A recent report by the international humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF) underscores the alarming use of sexual violence as a weapon of war in the ongoing conflict in Sudan. This violent struggle, which escalated into open warfare in April 2023, pits the Sudanese military against the paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces. Reports indicate that the International Criminal Court is actively investigating potential war crimes, including mass killings and systemic sexual violence during the conflict.

According to MSF, sexual violence has become pervasive, particularly in the regions of South Darfur and North Darfur. Between January 2024 and November 2025, a staggering total of 3,396 survivors of sexual violence sought treatment at MSF facilities. Disturbingly, the organization reports that armed men are frequently identified as perpetrators. In South Darfur, a significant 60% of cases involve multiple attackers, indicating a coordinated and systematic approach to this form of violence.

At the release of the report, MSF Emergency Coordinator Myriam Laroussi provided details from Tawila, North Darfur, highlighting the scale of the crisis. Laroussi emphasized that the reported figures likely represent only a fraction of the actual incidence of sexual violence, as many areas remain inaccessible to humanitarian aid.

Additionally, MSF practitioner Gloria Endreo revealed that an average of 10 to 15 women present for treatment each day, often long after the critical initial 72-hour window which is crucial for effective medical intervention and trauma care. Victims frequently endure long treks to reach medical assistance, often traveling on foot for days.

The implications of sexual violence extend beyond the immediate victims, affecting entire communities. Reports indicate that many women and girls are assaulted in the presence of family members, which exacerbates the trauma and fear within communities. As a result, daily activities, such as agriculture, are often abandoned out of fear of further violence.

MSF has called on the United Nations to enhance its presence and support in Sudan to address the urgent needs of affected communities. While UN figures estimate that more than 40,000 lives have been lost due to the conflict, humanitarian agencies warn that the actual toll may be significantly higher.

The intensity of the violence has shifted recently, particularly in the regions of Darfur and Kordofan, where drone strikes have become increasingly common. Reports indicate that over 500 civilians have been killed in drone attacks since the beginning of 2025.

This ongoing crisis in Sudan highlights the urgent need for renewed international attention and action to protect vulnerable populations and address the humanitarian needs arising from the conflict. As sexual violence continues to be weaponized, the call for decisive intervention becomes ever more critical.

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