International medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) warned that sexual violence is being systematically used as a weapon of war in Sudan’s ongoing conflict between the military and the Rapid Support Forces.
The war, which erupted on the 15th April 2023, is under investigation by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, including mass killings and gang rapes.
MSF reported on March 31 that at least 3,396 survivors of sexual violence received treatment at its facilities between January 2024 and November 2025, with many cases recorded in South and North Darfur. The organization noted that 60 percent of incidents in South Darfur involved multiple perpetrators, often armed men.
Field testimonies highlight the brutality of the abuses, while MSF officials stress that the documented cases represent only a fraction of the true scale, particularly in areas where humanitarian access is limited. Medical teams reported treating between 10 and 15 survivors daily, many arriving after the critical 72-hour window for effective medical intervention due to long and difficult journeys.
The report also underscores the broader societal impact, with fear of assault disrupting livelihoods and community life, as some attacks occur in front of family members.
MSF has called for a stronger United Nations presence to address the escalating humanitarian crisis. The conflict has claimed more than 40,000 lives, according to UN estimates, though aid organizations believe the actual toll may be significantly higher, with continued violence reported in Darfur and Kordofan regions.
