Sudanese women forced to exchange sex for food with soldiers

A devastating report has emerged from Sudan, revealing that numerous women have been coerced into having sex with soldiers in exchange for food and essential items for their families.

This alarming trend has been ongoing since the outbreak of the civil war in April 2023, which has pitted the Sudanese army against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

According to eyewitnesses and victims, soldiers have taken over factories and abandoned houses in the city of Omdurman, where they store food and goods.

Desperate women, many with families to feed, have been forced to offer their bodies in exchange for access to these essential resources.

One victim, who wished to remain anonymous, shared her harrowing experience. “I went to the soldiers, and that was the only way to get food. They were everywhere in the factories area.” She recounted how she was forced to have sex with soldiers at a meat-processing factory in May last year.

Another woman, who was also coerced into having sex with soldiers, described the ordeal as “indescribable.” She said, “I only did it because I wanted to feed my children.” Soldiers have also demanded sex in exchange for allowing women to loot abandoned houses for items to sell in local markets.

Residents of Omdurman have witnessed soldiers bringing women to these abandoned houses, where they are made to queue up while soldiers select the ones “they liked the look of.” One resident recounted hearing screams but feeling powerless to intervene.

The report alleges that soldiers have tortured and burned the legs of women who refuse to comply with their demands.

A 21-year-old woman who had previously exchanged sex for food and goods was held down and burned when she refused to do so again.

The conflict in Sudan has resulted in the displacement of over 11 million people and an estimated death toll of up to 150,000.

Reports of rape by armed forces have surfaced repeatedly since the conflict began.

The international community has condemned these atrocities, and human rights organizations have called for urgent action to protect Sudanese women and hold perpetrators accountable.

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