Sudan war rape fuels mental health crisis, UN warns

The widespread use of rape and other sexual violence as a weapon of war in Sudan has triggered a massive mental health crisis, United Nations agencies and local aid groups warned. The Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been locked in a brutal conflict since April 2023. The fighting has killed tens of thousands and displaced around 11 million people. Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières last month said it had treated at least 3,396 survivors of sexual violence. Nearly all of them are women. UN officials say the true number of victims is likely much higher, as stigma and fear of reprisals prevent many from seeking help.