The cries echo in the silence of displacement camps, whispers of atrocities too brutal to bear. In Sudan, the ongoing conflict has unleashed a wave of sexual violence, with survivors now daring to break the silence, sharing harrowing testimonies of rape, gang rape, abduction, and sexual slavery at the hands of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). These exclusive accounts, brought to light by Al Jazeera, paint a grim picture of systematic abuse, even detailing the unthinkable: the sexual assault of infants.

Sudan has been embroiled in conflict since April 2023, when clashes erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF, a paramilitary group. The power struggle has devolved into a brutal civil war, displacing millions and creating a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions. Amidst the chaos, the RSF has been repeatedly accused of widespread human rights violations, including sexual violence used as a weapon of war. The breakdown of law and order, coupled with the RSF's unchecked power, has created an environment where such atrocities can occur with impunity.

Nada Qaddourah, reporting for Al Jazeera, meticulously documented these testimonies, providing a platform for survivors to share their stories. One woman, forced to flee her home after witnessing her husband's murder, recounted being abducted and held captive for weeks, enduring repeated gang rape. Another survivor, a young mother, described the horror of watching RSF soldiers sexually assault her infant child. These are not isolated incidents; they are part of a pattern of systematic abuse designed to terrorize and subjugate communities.

"The scale and brutality of these attacks are deeply disturbing," says Dr. Fatima Hassan, a Sudanese human rights activist working with displaced communities. "Sexual violence is being used as a tool of war, aimed at destroying the social fabric of our society. The international community must act decisively to hold the perpetrators accountable."

The impact of these atrocities extends far beyond the immediate physical and psychological trauma suffered by the survivors. Entire communities are being destabilized, with women and girls living in constant fear. The long-term consequences for Sudan's social and economic development are devastating.

The testimonies collected by Al Jazeera are a crucial step towards documenting these crimes and ensuring that the perpetrators are held accountable. However, much more needs to be done. International organizations and governments must provide increased support for survivors, including medical care, psychosocial support, and legal assistance. There is a need for thorough investigations into these allegations, and the establishment of mechanisms to ensure justice and reparations for the victims.

Looking ahead, the focus must be on preventing further atrocities and building a more just and equitable society in Sudan. This requires addressing the root causes of the conflict, strengthening the rule of law, and promoting respect for human rights. The voices of the survivors must be heard, and their stories must serve as a catalyst for change. Only then can Sudan begin to heal from the deep wounds inflicted by this brutal conflict and build a future where such horrors are never repeated.