Sudan war fuels mass sexual violence and resource-driven profiteering

Since the conflict erupted in April 2023 between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), systematic sexual violence has been reported across the country. UN experts say RSF troops use rape as a weapon of war and genocide, with thousands of women assaulted and many becoming pregnant; children born of rape are often raised in secrecy amid stigma and fear. Survivors recount bus stopovers, forced separations and attacks that leave lasting trauma.

Analysts also note that the war serves economic interests. It provides a source of profit for actors exploiting Sudan’s abundant natural resources—oil, gold, uranium, agriculture and livestock—turning the conflict into a proxy war that enables external powers to extract wealth while the humanitarian situation collapses and no political solution appears forthcoming.