PUBLICATIONS

The African Center for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) expresses deep concern over the surge in the recruitment of child soldiers in the Darfur region, specifically in Central Darfur since the outbreak of the armed conflict in April 2023. ACJPS is reliably informed that the recruitment, mainly by the Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) follows the same methodology used by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in the remobilization of the Popular Defense Forces (PDF) in Darfur following its calls to join them. The recruitment of child soldiers to join the RSF is facilitated by the native administration members who are either in the PDF or are RSF officers.

The fight between the Sudanese Army (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in South Darfur has intensified with trends similar to those in Khartoum where SAF uses the tactic of shelling in areas around their base without actually leaving the base. This is done on suspicion that RSF occupied residences of civilians neighboring the SAF base with the intension to attack

ACJPS has documented 51 incidents of sexual violence against women and girls in Zalingi and Garsilla localities in Central Darfur. The victims/survivors identified men dressed in the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) uniforms, allied Arab militias and in some cases men in Sudanese Armed Forces’ (SAF) uniform as the perpetuators.

African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) strongly condemns the continued targeting of civilians by the warring parties and allied militia in Sudan. ACJPS has documented incidents where ten political activists and businessmen were targeted and killed by unknown gunmen in Nyala, South Darfur since the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced seizure of the city.

The African Center for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) has received reliable information indicating that 47 detainees held by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were released while others escaped. The released detainees include 16 females. Some of the victims testified to ACJPS that they had been subjected to torture while in detention as they were beaten with water pipes and sticks, forced to stand under the sun for many hours, verbally abused, threatened to be sexually abused, held in poor detention facilities without ventilation and toilets, denied meals among other forms of torture and ill-treatment.

African Center for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) expresses deep concern about the continuous targeting of civilians by the Sudanese Army (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). ACJPS has documented two separate incidents where 41 civilians were killed and several others injured in Donki Shatta locality in North Darfur and Nyala city in South Darfur.

African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) strongly condemns the violations against children by both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militia in Sudan. In this release, ACJPS has documented an incident where 66 children were arrested in West Darfur by the RSF amidst allegations of recruitment of child soldiers into the armed conflict.

The African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) expresses its utmost concern over the physical safety and wellbeing of four Sudanese citizens including three human rights defenders detained by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). They were detained between 10th October and 6th November 2023 and have remained in RSF detention in Zalingi city, Central Darfur to date.

Since April 15, 2023, when the armed conflict erupted in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, violence has extended to various regions, resulting in the deaths of thousands of civilians and the displacement of millions of people. Amidst the turmoil and devastation, a less conspicuous but significant threat looms for civilians of all genders; an escalation in sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

Sudan's current conflict, marked by violence and displacement, has left a trail of destruction that extends far beyond immediate casualties. This comprehensive analysis delves into the multifaceted impact on crucial infrastructure, emphasizing the violation of international laws designed to protect civilians.

For the past seven months, particularly in May 2023, the Sudanese region of Darfur has been the scene of a bloody conflict that has led to the death of hundreds of civilians and the displacement of thousands. Darfur states are again ravaged by armed conflict, and atrocities are taking place on a comparable scale in the region. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) are still killing, raping and looting the same Darfurian communities. The international response to the ongoing conflict has been glacial and the reaction to the situation in Darfur is ever slower. This is even though what is happening in Darfur is a direct outcome of the first Darfur crisis of the early 2000s, which brought forth the RSF and its leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, known as Hemedti.

Sudan, a nation marked by a history of conflict, underscores the vital importance of achieving lasting peace. This narrative explores the multifaceted role of women in Sudan, emphasizing their potential as catalysts for positive change in building a sustainable and inclusive peace. With women constituting half of Sudan's population, their active participation is not just a matter of equality but a strategic imperative.