Sudan: Women Forced To Have Sex With Soldiers in Exchange for Food in Omdurman, Narrate Ordeal in Shocking Report

Omdurman, July 22: In the war-ravaged city of Omdurman, Sudan, women are being forced to endure harrowing abuses as they struggle to survive amid the ongoing conflict. According to a shocking report by The Guardian, numerous women who have been unable to flee the conflict have been forced to engage in sexual acts with soldiers in exchange for food and essential goods. Those who refuse these demands face brutal retaliation, including torture.

The horrifying accounts reveal a systematic pattern of sexual violence and exploitation perpetrated by soldiers, further exacerbating the suffering of civilians in this war-torn region. These acts of desperation are occurring in the “factories area” of the city, where the concentration of food supplies attracts both the desperate and the depraved. The Guardian's report sheds light on the horrific abuses faced by women who are unable to flee the ongoing conflict between the regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Sudan Unrest: Death Toll Climbs to 550 As Armed Conflict Continues in the Country.

Women Forced to Trade Sex for Food in Sudan

As the conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF escalates, these women, who have been unable to flee the fighting, describe their desperate circumstances. Many report that their only means to obtain food or goods to sell for survival is to comply with the demands of soldiers who control access to these resources. One woman recounted having sex with soldiers at a meat-processing factory and a bean warehouse to secure food for her elderly parents and her 18-year-old daughter. Despite efforts by aid organisations, many have seen no relief. The Guardian described these women as being pale and thin and used to serve as maids to affluent families in the area. Sudan Clashes: Governments Race To Rescue Diplomats, Citizens From War-Torn Country.

Women Tortured for Refusing Soldiers’ Demands

One 21-year-old woman reported to The Guardian being tortured after she stopped complying with soldiers' demands. She described being held down and burned on her legs as punishment, showing severe burn marks in interviews. The horrific conditions reflect the dire impact of the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, exposing the severe human rights abuses faced by women in the war-torn region.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 22, 2024 01:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).