Women from Africa and the diaspora call for action to protect women and girls in Sudan from conflict-related sexual violence

As women from Africa and the diaspora, we have signed this open letter to express our solidarity with women and girls in Sudan who are being targeted in a relentless campaign of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and to appeal for the urgent initiation of international protection measures and accountability mechanisms.

The war in Sudan began in April 2023 and has been described as a conflict fought on the bodies of women and girls. A total absence of protection for women and girls heightens the risk of sexual and gender-based violence.

Distressing reports have emerged of rape, gang rape, and forced ‘marriages’, with many of these violations occurring in people’s homes.¹

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reported cases involving gang rape of girls as young as nine, and of older women, including a sixty-year-old woman in Khartoum North who was raped alongside her daughter and granddaughter. Women and girls have also been raped in front of male family members.²

The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) documented similar violations, with women and girls being abducted from their homes, held for several days in various locations and raped repeatedly by multiple perpetrators.³

In Darfur, chilling evidence is emerging of rape once again being used as a weapon of war.

Since November 2023, in El Geneina, Western State, women have reported being sexually assaulted due to their ethnicity. Many of the survivors are from the Masalit community, of African ethnic origin. However, women from Arab tribes were also targeted if they were married to darker skinned men or have children with a darker skin tone.⁴

Women and girls are also being abducted. A 23-year-old woman from North Kordofan state was taken against her will to South Darfur. She eventually escaped but returned home pregnant.⁵ A woman from Omdurman, who was kidnapped along with her three young children, was subjected to sexual violence for six months. She was later informed her children would be killed unless she became a spy. She is currently in a protection centre, haunted by fears for her children, who are still being held.⁶

There are also reports of sexual exploitation of women in Omdurman who are forced into transactional sex with soldiers to receive humanitarian aid, or access to abandoned properties where they forage for items to sell to feed their families.⁷

The targeting of hospitals, schools and medical staff has exacerbated the physical and mental anguish of survivors of CRSV.⁸ The consequent lack of access to specialist treatment and psychosocial assistance heightens the suffering of deeply traumatised survivors, causing some to commit suicide.⁹

We believe that a persistent failure to address CRSV has entrenched impunity. Leaders and soldiers from the military and armed groups are yet to face consequences at national, regional or international level for the recent brutal campaign in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, where sexual violence was employed systematically as a weapon of war, bearing the genocidal hallmarks of events in Rwanda and Bosnia.¹⁰

Accountability erodes impunity, and its continuing absence emboldens perpetrators in Sudan and beyond. We, therefore, urge regional and international actors to take the following steps to assist women and girls in Sudan:

Close the protection gap created by the premature winding down of UNAMID and UNITAMS as a matter of urgency.
Facilitate a human rights monitoring and documentation mandate to coordinate regional and international efforts by renewing the UN Human Rights Council Fact-Finding Mission and supporting the complementary investigations of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights fact-finding mission on Sudan.
For decades, rape has been used as a weapon of war in Sudan. Justice and accountability are vital for an enduring peace; therefore, the mandate of the International Criminal Court Prosecutor to investigate incidents of sexual violence which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity should be extended across the whole country, and perpetrators be brought to justice, including those who hold command responsibility.
Given the persistent failure to secure a ceasefire, it is imperative that community groups that provide humanitarian assistance, including shelter, safe havens and psychosocial therapies, are supported and resourced. Humanitarian workers must also receive adequate protection as they operate at great personal risk in challenging circumstances.

Finally, although Sudanese women were at the forefront of pro-democracy movements, they are woefully underrepresented in the ongoing peace negotiations. A concerted effort must be made to ensure women are sufficiently represented, and that all negotiations include a recognition of the appalling impact of CRSV on survivors and their families, and firm assurances that all identified perpetrators will be held accountable.

Women from Africa, of African descent and the diaspora:

Abirami Raveendran, London for Sudan and Madaniya, UK
Adah Mbah Muyang, Executive Director, Mother of Hope Cameroon (Mocham)
Adla AbuBakar, SIHA Network, Sudan
Afaf Badr, Women’s Rights Activist, UK
Afaf Osman, Sudanese Human Rights Lawyer, Sudan
Afef Ibrahim Arbab, Lawyer, Sudan
Agnes Nanjala, Social Worker, Focus for Hope Organization, Kenya
Aida Amroussai, Human Rights Activist, Tunisia
Alawia Mokhtar Bahrelden, Darfur Women’s Platform, Sudan
Alimatu Dimonekene MBE, Award winning Women & Girls Rights Advocate, FGM Consultant, Founder A Girl At A Time, Sierra Leone
Aluel Atem, Gender expert and SIHA advisor, South Sudan
Amal El Shiekh, Sudanese Human Rights Lawyer, UK
Amal Omer Mousa Akasha, Novelist and writer, Sudan
Aman Gabriel Mohamed Elhasan, Human Rights Activist, Sudan/Uganda
Amani Ibrahim Mahgoub, Sudanese Women’s Union
Ameera Abbas, Sudanese Human Rights Lawyer, Sudan
Amel Farouk Abu-Eissa, Politician and Journalist, Sudan
Amel Taha Hussien, Aown for Legal, Sudan
Annet Ajok, African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS), Uganda
Asia Ahmed Said Ahmed, Sudanese Advocate, Germany
Asma Mohamed Abdel Halim, Professor, University of Toledo, USA
Asmahan AbdulSalam, Board member, SIHA Network, Somaliland
Asmahan Nouman, Oprational manager in care sector, UK/ Eritrea
Audrey Skervin, Head of Fundraising, CSW UK
Auxilia Hokororo OSB, Benedictine Sisters of Ndanda, Tanzania
Awatif Hussein Al Sayed, Public Relations Officer, Qatar Diabetes Association, Qatar
Awatif Ishag Ahmed, Darfur’s Defenders Alliance, Sudan
Ayak Chol, Peace Catalysts Organization, Uganda
Babil Ishag, Lawyer, Debora Centre for Advocacy and Legal Consultations, Uganda
Béatrice Mukamugwiza, Director, Xaveri, Rwanda
Beatrice Tavares da Souza, Association Entraide des Femmes Catholiques du Sénégal
Bridgita Samba, Secretary General, Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa, ACWECA, Kenya
Beverly Peguese-Tucker, President, Windows International Network Board of Directors, USA
Catherine Nyirenda, Teacher, Malawi
Chibuzor Tina Amadi , UK Parliamentary Liaison, CSW
Doaa Idris Saifldeen, Boon for Sustainable Developing Goals Initiative, Sudan
Dr Abeir Imneina, Director of the Washm Center for Women’s Studies, Libya
Dr Asha K A Elkarib, The Sudanese Organization for Research and Development (SORD)
Dr Connie N Maina Sozi, Partner and Solicitor at Deighton Pierce Glynn Solicitors, Kenya & UK
Dr Ebtisam Sanhouri, Ass. Prof of Constitutional Law & Human Rights, University of Khartoum, Sudan
Dr Gloria Kwashi, President, Zambiri Outreach and Childcare Centre, Nigeria
Dr Khataza Gondwe, Head of Advocacy and Africa Middle East Team Leader, CSW, UK & Malawi
Dr Mona Obeid, Sudanese Activist, UK
Dr Mwenza Blell, Senior Lecturer at Newcastle University, UK
Dr Najwan Shamseldin, The Regional Centre for Training and Development of Civil Society, Sudan
Dr Omima Eissa Osman, Sudanese Physician, UK
Dr Sara Belali, Consultant Psychologist, UK
Dr Selam Kidane, Psychologist, Co-Founder, Release Eritrea
Dr. Sylvia Ruambo, Founder and Executive Director, Support for Future Foundation (S4F), Tanzania
Eatidal Awad, Nursing Auxillary; Health Care Assistant, UK
Eatzaz Mohammed Abker, Sudanese Human Rights Lawyer, Sudan
Ebtisam Gumma, SIHA Network, Sudan
Ebtisam Tag Elsir, Radio Dabanga, Netherlands
Ekhlas Abdulah Isam, Civil Society Activist, Sudan/ Egypt
Ekhlas Osman, Activist
Elizabeth Chyrum, Director, Human Rights Concern-Eritrea
Enas Mansour Gumaa, Peace Supporters, Sudan
Eshraga Abdalfadiel, Foster Carer, UK
Eshraga Osman Sultan, Sudanese Human Rights Lawyer, Sudan
Etimad Elmiraway, Nuba Mountains’ Mothers, Sudan
Fadwo Hassan, Woman and Child Cluster Association, Somalia
Faith Tatu Mwadime, Kenya National Council of Catholic women (KNCCW) World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations (CUCWO), Kenya
Faiza El Saig, The Sudanese Women’s Union, UK
Fathiya Emhemad, Human Rights Defender, Munaser Organisation, Libya
Favorlouisa C. Mbaneme, International Federation of Women Lawyers, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Jigawa State Office, Dutse
Florence Adong, Uganda
Ghada Abbas Ahmad, The Sudanese Lawyer’s Democratic Front, Sudan
Gisma Mohammed Elhaj Musa, Human Rights Defender, Eritrea
Hadeel Gafar, Human Rights Activist, Sudan
Hadia Talsam, Singer, Al Balabel band, Sudan
Hala Alkarib, Regional Director, SIHA Network, Uganda
Hala Eltahir, Physician, UK
Hanadi Fadol, Sudanese Human Rights Lawyer, Sudan
Hanan Babiker, Former Head of the Sudanese Women’s Union, UK
Hanan Mustafa Hamed, Physician, UK
Hanin Boushosha, Director of Nuasi Organisation for Studies and Development, Libya
Hannah Gazal, British/ Libyan Activist, Interpreter and Co- chair Caerphilly for Palestine, UK
Haram Osman Ahmed Elsheikh, Lawyer, USA
Hawa Hamad Mohamed, Dermatologist, UK
Helen Berhane, Former Prisoner of Conscience and Religious Freedom Activist, Eritrea
Hon Julia Duncan-Cassell, Former Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (Liberia) and President of the Europe External Programme with Africa Liberia/Brussels
Houta Chalchoul Ayadi, Human Rights Activist, Tunisia
Huda Giha, Sudanese Human Rights Lawyer, Sudan
Hwayda Hussein Ahmed Mursal, Sudanese Human Rights Lawyer, Sudan
Ikhlas Al-Sir Abdul Rahman, Women Against War, Sudan
Ikhlas Mahmoud, President, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) Sudan
Iman Khair, Policy Specialist, UK
Iman Mustafa Hamad, Activist, UK
Inaam Attig, Sudanese Human Rights Lawyer, Sudan
Inass Bakhiet Salah, Housewife, UK
Intisar Ibrahim, Learning Support Assistant, UK
Intisar Mohamed Ali, Poet, Sudan
Intisar Yosif, Journalist, UK
Jackline Nasiwa, Center for Inclusive Governance Peace & Justice (CIGPJ), South Sudan
Jasmin Mohamed, Human Rights Activist, Sudan
Jeddah Abdallah Zakaria, UK
Jestina M. Mukoko, Founder and President, Jestina Mukoko Foundation, Zimbabwe
Joyce Peter, Taraba State Judiciary, Nigeria
Kaltun Qasim, SIHA Network, Somalia
Kawther Omer, Setna Volunteer Organisation, UK
Keziah Makena Gitonga, Humanitarian, Social Justice Advocate, Women and Girls Rights Advocate, Kenya/UK
Khadija Abdullah Al Bouishi, My Right Organisation for Libyan Women’s Rights
Khadija Omar Al Ouarfali, Human Rights Lawyer, Libyan Organisation for Development
Khalda Elhafiz, Sudanese Activist, UK
Khalda Saber Hassan Ahmed, Heya Feminist Initiative, Sudan
Khawla Bsikri, Libyan Civil Rights Activist, Libya
Lamia Abbas Abdel Halim, Activist, Sudan
Lilia Weslaty, Adala for All Association, Tunisia
Lubna Abdalla, kaen Women journalists, Sudan
Lubna Idriss Hassan Ahmed, Communications Engineer, Sudan
Ludan Gaffar Mahjoub, Activist, Sudan
Maha Abdullah Suliman, Activist, UK
Maha Ragab Mohamed, Lawyer, Sudan
Mahaa Alniel Learning Support Assistant, UK
Mahasin Abdelgadir Awad, Darfur Bar Association, Sudan
Mahasin Abu Al-Qasim Muhammad Al-Hassas, Women’s Rights, Protecting women from violence
Mahasin Al-Qaddal, University of Khartoum Alumni Association, Executive Committee Member, UK
Mai Awad Ali Albashir, Health and Wellbeing Assistant, Scotland, UK
Maisson Hassan, Artist, UK
Manas Matta Alkawas, Hunan Rights Activist, Sudan
Mardia Musa Namnam, Sudanese Human Rights Defender, Uganda
Mariama Yahia Ibraheem, Tahrir Anisa Foundation, USA
Marwa Elhaj, Journalist, UK
Marwa Habil, Civil Society Activist and Journalist at Al-Wasat TV, Libya
Marwa Mohammed, Justice Africa Sudan
Mashair Saeed, Former Chairperson University of Khartoum Alumni, UK
Mawahib Majzoub Mohammed, Women Advancing Security in Sudan (WASS), Sudan
Mayme Claire Williams, M.D. Pediatrician, USA
Mayson Musa Arabi, Sudanese Advocate and Human Rights Defender, UK
Mercy Owuor, SIHA Network, Kenya
Mervat Hamadelneil Osman Bakheit, Sudanese Center on People Empowerment (SCOPE), Sudan
Michaela Wate, Artist, UK
Mira ben Salah, Queer Feminist Activist, Tunisia
Mona Abuelgasim Mohamed Elhassan, Human Rights Lawyer, Sudan/Egypt
Mona Elbashir, Journalist, Sudan
Mona Salih Abdulaziz, Legal Adviser, Libya Crimes Watch, Libya
Monica Wambui, Kenya National Council of Catholic Women
Nabiha Jibril, Quman Women Development Association, Somali Region, Ethiopia
Nada Faroog Abdalfatah, Freelance Journalist, Germany
Nadia Chawachi, Human Rights Lawyer, Tunisia
Nagat Hussein Abdella, Sudanese Advocate and Human Rights Defender, Sudan
Nagat M Abdelgadir, Sudanese Pharmacist and Activist, UK
Nagla Abdelrahman Grafi, Lawyer, Canada
Nagla Mohamed Ali, Sudanese Advocate, France
Nahla Mahmoud, activist and environment campaigner, UK
Nahid Idress Adam, Journalist, Qatar
Nahla Abdelsalam Nimir, Justice Center, Sudan
Nahla Yousif Mohamed Ahmed, Almostagball for Enlightenment and Development Organisation, Sudan/Uganda
Najlaa Ahmed, Legal advisor at Rights for Peace, UK
Najwa Ali Ahamadi, Lawyer and Executive Director of the Libyan Legal Aid Organisation
Nawal Abugisisa, Lawyer, Sudan
Nawal Hassan Elsheikh, Teacher, UK
Nibras El Sayed El Damerdash, Housewife & Refugee, Egypt
Noora Obeid, The Regional Centre for Training and Development of Civil Society, UK
Nourhan Moustafa, Legal Advisor, Libya Crimes Watch (LCW), Libya
Omaima Abdullah Deen, Former President of the Sudanese Lawyers and Legal Practitioners, UK
Omaima Ahmed El Mustafa, The Sudanese Lawyer’s Democratic Front, Sudan
Omayma Elmardi, Director of Neswa Organization, Sudan
Omima Elsherief, Lawyer, Promising Voices Foundation for Human Rights, Switzerland/Egypt
Omima Yagwb, Human Rights Activist
Onaheed Osman Ahmed Albashir, Sudanese Lawyers and Legal Practitioners, UK
Patricia Donkor, Attorney, Ghana
Prof. Fatima Babikir, Founder of the Pan Africa Women’s Liberation Organisation (PAWLO), UK
Raga Ahmed, Sudanese Lawyers and Legal Practitioners Association, UK
Raga Khairi Yousif, Sudanese Activist, UK
Raga Shamikh, Women’s Rights Activist, Calam Association, Tunisia
Raga Tamim, Sama Foundation for Advocacy and Human Rights
Rana Abdelghaffar Abdelrahim, Sudanese Advocate and Human Rights Defender, Sudan
Randa Azhari Badawi, Anesthesiologist
Rania Amin, Sudan Women Action Group (SWAG), UK
Rania Mohamed Adam, Sudanese Advocate and Human Rights Defender
Rania Suleiman, Behaviour therapist, UK
Razaz Salih, Office Manager, UK
Rebicca Alkawas, Sudanese teacher, Sudan
Reel Mahmoud, Sudan Women Action Group (SWAG), UK
Reel Mohamed Abdelhay, Sudan Women Action Group (SWAG), UK
Rimaz Salih, Researcher, Governance Coordinator, UK
Rita Alema Kahsay, Director, Irob Anina Civil Society, Tigray Ethiopia
Rita Mazzocchi, Trustee Sanctuary Foundation, Secretary, Horn of Africa Civil Society Forum
Ritaj Ibrahim, Executive Director of Kun Libya, Libya
Salma El Hosseiny, Senior Programme Manager at ISHR, Switzerland
Salma John, Rural Education for Development Organization (REDO), Uganda
Salma Zarroug, Sudan Women Action Group (SWAG), UK
Salwa Abdelwahab Noureldayem Saied, Activist, Canada
Salwa Karkon Mali, Nuba Mountains Lawyers Union, Sudan
Salwa Saeed, The Sudanese Lawyer’s Democratic Front, Sudan
Samia El Hashmi, Lawyer and Civil Society Leader, Sudan
Sana Suliam Khareef, Justice Centre for Advocacy and Legal Consultations, Sudan
Sanaa Elsabag, Sudan Women Action Group (SWAG), UK
Salomé Diouf, Headteacher, Sénégal
Sara Abdelgalil, Pediatric Consultant, UK
Sara Chitseko, Racial Justice Campaigner, UK
Sara Suliman, Film Director, Sudan
Sarah Akoru Lochodo, Chief Kainuk Location, Turkana County, Kenya, 2010 Joan B. Krock Institute for Peace and Justice Women Peace Maker, Kenya
Sarah Nugdalla , Women’s Rghts Advocate and University Professor, Sudan
Sarah-Derval Lifanda, Hope of Africa-HOFA, Cameroon
Sawsan Yahya Omer, Sudanese Human Rights Lawyer, Sudan
Shadia Jaafar, Sudanese Activist
Shima Hassan, Activist, UK
Shimaa Bin Hameeda, Human Rights Activist, Tunisia
Shiraz Jamma, Lawyer, Sudanese Lawyers and Legal Practitioners Association UK
Shurooq Nas, Singer, Sudan
Sieza Al-Hajj Al-Tahir, Legal translator, Sudan/Qatar
Siham Awad Sidahmed, The Regional Centre for Training and Development of Civil Society
Somaia Elshiekh Shambati, Human Rights Lawyer, The INSAF campaign for transitional justice, Sudan
Somaia Ishag, The Sudanese Women’s Union, UK
Sonah Paton, Founding Director, Black Mothers Matter, UK
Sr Agnes Jonas, Teresian Sisters, Malawi
Sr Agnes Khati, Sisters of Mary of Kakamega, Kenya
Sr Alexina Moraa Okerio
Sr. Ann Grace Njau, Missionary Nun, Kenya
Sr Beatrice Mary Ayieko, Franciscan Sisters of St Anna, Kenya
Sr Daniela Alborghetti, Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, Tanzania
Sr Editruda Mbegu, Sisters of Our Lady Queen of Africa, Tanzania
Sr. Ester Mudhovozi, Nun, Zimbabwe
Sr Felicita Humwara, Sisters of Sacred Heart of Jesus South Sudan
Sr Grace Kyomugisha, Sisters of our Lady of Good Counsel, Uganda
Sr Grace Yangi, Association of the Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA), Kenya
Sr Hellen Nanjala Simiyu, Sisters of Mary of Kakamega, Kenya
Sr Josephrida Lucia Matumaini, Sisters of St Joseph, Mombasa, Kenya
Sr Marion Arrey HHCJ, Missionary, Cameroon
Sr Martina Mulumbwa Kabole, Franciscan Missionaries St Joseph, Lamu county, Kenya
Sr Mary Digna, Tanzania Catholic Association of Sisters
Sr Odiaga Agnes, Sisters of St Joseph, Kenya
Sr Perpetua Apo, Sisters of St. Louis, Ethiopia
Sr Sarah Kitheka, St Joseph Sisters, Mombasa, Kenya
Sr. Christine Mwangi, Sisters of Emmanuel, Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa, (ACWECA), Kenya
Sr. Dr. Josephine Kangogo Keino
Sr. Elizabeth Muleya, Zambia Association of Sisterhoods, Zambia
Sr. Leonidah Mukwilu Shimanyula, Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa Secretariat, Kenya
Sr Liberata Domician Kamugisha,Daughters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Bukoba, Tanzania
Sr. Rosalia Sakayombo, Religious Sisters of the Holy Spirit, Zambia
Sr. Rosemary M. Kilonzo, Teacher, Kwale County- Mombasa, Kenya.
Sr. Senait Berhe, Good Samaritan Sisters, Eritrea
Sr. Soeur Véronique Mambo, UMOF Côté d’Ivoire
Sr. Teresita Omana Thomas, Daughters of St. Francis de Sales, Tanzania
Sulafa Obeid, The Sudanese Lawyer’s Democratic Front, Sudan
Susan Labwot, SIHA Network, Uganda
Suzannah Mirghani, Film director, Sudan
Tagwa Osman, Sudan Women Action Group (SWAG), UK
Tahani Abaas, No to Women’s Oppression, Kenya
Tamador Hamza, Poet and Writer, Sudan
Teamrat Belai, CST Ethiopia, Country Director, Ethiopia
Teman Liti Agera, Chief Operating Officer (COO), CSW Nigeria
Tsitsi Dangarembga, Author, Zimbabwe
Um Kolthoum Adam, UK
Wafaa Eltahir, Sudan Women Action Group (SWAG), UK
Wedad Alsharige, Independent human rights defender, Libya
Wigdan Abdulazeez Mohamed Ali, Physician, UK
Youstina George Sikla, Engineer, Sudan
Zamzam Ali Mohamed Osman, Lawyer, Sudan
Zeinab Abdelbakheit Adam Abdelrahman, Emergency medicine consultant at Khartoum Teaching Hospital, Olala refugee camp, Ethiopia
Zeinab Ealjack Abdullah, Human right Activist, Uganda
Zemdena Abebe, SIHA Network, Ethiopia
Zuhal Khamis Moos, Zamzam IDP camp, Northern Darfur, Sudan

This letter is also supported by the following women:

Afrah Shawgi, Journalist, Iraq
Andrea Staeritz, Borderline Europe – Human Rights Without Borders, Germany
Annie Bigg, Activist in Britain, UK
Annie Raja. General Secretary, National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW) India
Christina Reed-Richard, Physiotherapist, UK
Claire Denman, United Nations Officer, CSW, Ireland
Dr Willow Berridge, Senior Lecturer in History, Newcastle University, UK
Emma DiNapoli, Human Rights Lawyer, UK
Frances Clark Jewitt, Charity Worker, UK
Julie Bardeche, Senior Legal Advisor, REDRESSUK
Katherine Macleod, Musician, UK
Lana Sadeq, Activist, Palestine
Lauren Sutherland, Occupational Therapist, UK
Nada Al Khawwam, Writer and Journalist, Iraq
Naya Rajab, Independent feminist advocate and School Director of Transat MENA, Syria
Rebecca Tinsley, Founder, Waging Peace, UK
Sam McGill, Activist in Britain, UK
Sana AL Badwi, Freelance journalist, Yemen
Shabnam Hashim, Anhad, India
Shimaa Bin Hameeda, Activist, Afghanistan
Sonja Miley, Co-Executive Director, Waging Peace, UK
Soraya M Deen, Muslim Women Speakers, USA
Swantje Pabst, Human Rights Lawyer, Germany
Rachel Whitehouse, teacher, UK
Wejdan Al-Nahdi, Activist in Britain, UK