For years, African society has been fighting against women’s discrimination and assault. For instance, a dozen of Sudanese women, raped by Sudanese security forces on 3rd June 2019 seek justice. Although it is about a year since the brutal crackdown, the women deserve the honour. Besides, the attack left more than eighty-seven people dead.
However, a prosecutor said no sexual assaults or rapes took place during the violence. But activists have been documenting these cases over the past year. They noted that the attack was a campaign of rapes ordered by the military to crush the democracy movement. For weeks now, protestors demand justice, saying the military gave up power.
Battle for democracy.
Identifying and prosecuting those involved in rape is a necessary test for Sudan. Sure, this will determine whether it can put an end to its decade- long military rule. The protest movement began in 2018 and succeeded in overthrowing President Omar al-Bashir in April 2019. As a result, they had to create a joint civilian-military ruling. But the civilians now struggle to affirm authority before the ruling military power.
Meanwhile, a sovereign commission investigating the attack already missed the February deadline for releasing the findings. As per the reports, it may again miss the 22nd June deadline because of the Coronavirus challenge. The commission head Nabil Adib says the panel has about 3,000 witnesses for testimony but didn’t reveal the details.
The assault.
As per reports, rape victims said the notorious Rapid Support Forces soldiers attacked men and women who fled the protest site. Besides, they sexually molested the women, beat them and raped some. According to the victims, the rape occurred in different locations, including a cemetery, a medical complex, and around Khartoum University mosque. One of the victims, Samah- a 28-year-old teacher, says her wound gets worse whenever she sees the news on TV.
After al-Bashir fall, the military took power, but protestors continued their sit-in, calling for a civilian government. Reports say that the sole authority arose from Janjaweed mafia, mobilized by al-Bashir in the 2000s. As per the rights association, they were notorious for rapes and killings in the region. Samah was asleep in a tent when the attack occurred. She saw the RSF troops pull a woman away, shouting they would rape her.
Besides, another troop dragged Samah into the medical center hallway, where one hit her with a rifle butt. They groped, stripped, shoved her to the ground and raped her. According to Samah, they did it to break them but not for enjoyment. Afterwards, they left her bloody and naked on the floor. Sadeya and Mayada were also victims of the same.
Conclusion
Indeed, it is agonizing to see what African women are going through. It is time for us to sacrifice our efforts and fight against this kind of culture. In my opinion, governments should employ strict measures to protect the laws governing women’s freedom and rights. After all, we ought to make our society straight for the coming generations. Take action today by educating friends, relatives and young ones on the disadvantages of women assault.
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