The United States condemned the rampant sexual violence linked to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, attributed to Rapid Support Forces and their affiliated militias, according to a statement issued today by the U.S. State Department.
The State Department pointed out that, “The numerous reports of rape, gang rape, and other forms of gender-based violence against women and girls in West Darfur and other regions are deeply concerning.” The statement also added that “such barbaric acts contribute to the emergence of a new pattern of ethnically targeted violence.”
The U.S. expressed particular concern about the situation in and around the city of Nyala in South Darfur, where tens of thousands of trapped civilians reside. The statement emphasized the need for holding the perpetrators of these atrocities accountable.
In the conclusion of its statement, the U.S. State Department called upon the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces and the Armed Forces to “immediately cease fighting and allow for the safe passage of all civilians out of the cities,” according to the statement.
