FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact:

Zack Tamimi

(202)804-6749 ext. 105

Communication@DarfurWomenAction.org

 

Seven Women Violently Raped as al-Bashir Continues a Genocidal Campaign

Kass, Sudan, Oct. 31, 2018 — Several women and girls have been violently raped and 12 others were injured by armed “herders” in Kombo Aliba of Kass, South Darfur late last month, according to a Radio Dabanga report. The victims were beaten with rifle and machete butts and robbed of their money, food, and wares. President al-Bashir of Sudan allows such mass atrocities to occur unimpeded as part of a sustained campaign of terror designed to eliminate and displace Darfuris. Consequently, the nations of the world need to consider a new strategy to end the violence.

Crimes like the one that happened in Kombo Aliba occur every day in Darfur, just as they have for the past decade. Armed herders who are often associated with the Sudanese government and its militia wing, the Rapid Support Forces, have been operating with impunity since the genocide began in 2003. They repeatedly engage in war crimes and crimes against humanity such as the wanton destruction of property, kidnapping, murder, and rape.

In the previous year alone, there have been over 100 attacks on civilians, while over 1.2 million people have been displaced in the past several years. The rule of law seems to have disappeared in Darfur. Victims of attacks such as the one in Kombo Aliba are often ignored by government security forces who themselves engage in similar atrocities. The crimes that are committed against Darfuris are virtually always sanctioned by al-Bashir and the Sudanese government. As a result, it is impossible for Darfuris to live secure and stable lives and often Darfuris are forced to flee to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. These camps have also been criticized for gross human rights violations, meaning that Darfuris have few places to turn to for effective and authentic security.

We at DWAG believe that there is a moral imperative to take firm action against such atrocities. Developed nations that have political leeway on the international stage need to formulate an effective response to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The current efforts in Sudan have done little to stop crimes committed by al-Bashir and military and paramilitary forces. Incidents like the rape of several women mentioned earlier continue because no effective intervention takes place. The world must come together to develop a new approach to dealing with the crisis in Darfur.

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