http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article2489206.ece
"Curse of the Janjaweed" reflects on the disturbing memory of Nafisa Mohammed, describing her horror and dismay at being raped and impregnated by a Janjaweed militia recruit. Since the beginning of the conflict in Darfur, raping female refugees has been one of the Janjaweed's most brutal means of torture. Quoting "Curse of the Janjaweed," "since violence convulsed Darfur in February 2003, rape has been part of the Janjaweed’s gruesome pattern of violence against the Darfuri people, though rape was virtually unheard of before these attacks. But it’s impossible to determine how many babies have been born from rape, partly because of a widespread belief that pregnancy only results from wanted sex, and partly because of the subsequent shame of these mothers in this traditional Muslim society."
When Nafisa found out she was pregnant, she was horrified. "My children would be ashamed by a Janjaweed baby...I hated [it] and I hated myself."
Women in Darfur who are raped by Janjaweed generally do not come forward, out of shame, knowing that they will not be supported, or knowing that if they do attempt to press charges, they run a higher risk of being persecuted than the men, who may target them.
Rape is a commonly used as a torture method by the Janjaweed in Darfur, getting its roots from slavery, which existed in Sudan years ago.
"Curse of the Janjaweed" reflects on the disturbing memory of Nafisa Mohammed, describing her horror and dismay at being raped and impregnated by a Janjaweed militia recruit. Since the beginning of the conflict in Darfur, raping female refugees has been one of the Janjaweed's most brutal means of torture. Quoting "Curse of the Janjaweed," "since violence convulsed Darfur in February 2003, rape has been part of the Janjaweed’s gruesome pattern of violence against the Darfuri people, though rape was virtually unheard of before these attacks. But it’s impossible to determine how many babies have been born from rape, partly because of a widespread belief that pregnancy only results from wanted sex, and partly because of the subsequent shame of these mothers in this traditional Muslim society."
When Nafisa found out she was pregnant, she was horrified. "My children would be ashamed by a Janjaweed baby...I hated [it] and I hated myself."
Women in Darfur who are raped by Janjaweed generally do not come forward, out of shame, knowing that they will not be supported, or knowing that if they do attempt to press charges, they run a higher risk of being persecuted than the men, who may target them.
Rape is a commonly used as a torture method by the Janjaweed in Darfur, getting its roots from slavery, which existed in Sudan years ago.
 The small print says: |
| "Rape is happening every day outside our camp. But my leaving to get firewood is the best way to protect the men against the guns of the militia. I don't want to see anybody die. So there is no other option for women here, there is no other option for me." |
I find it horrible that women naturally have to cope and except that rape is now part of their lifestyle. It's even worse because they actually DO NOT have another way around or out of the situation.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you Jake. It's so heartbreaking to read the stories. I think it's even worse that some women, in response to being impregnated by a Janjaweed recruit, will do horrible things to themselves in an attempt to get rid of the baby. Women shouldn't have to be afraid to go get supplies to keep them and their families alive.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both of you. I think in some ways, that the rape is more harmful than the murders. Of course, they aren't exactly comparable, because death is death. But the emotional consequences for these women and young girls is horrible. But Jake, I especially agree with your point of how they've begun to accept it as part of their lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteYeah, good point Jake. It is so devastating to hear about the poor women and girls that have to deal with this to help save their families. But when they bravely venture out to help their family and many times get raped, the families treat them as if it was their fault that they were raped and they are shunned for trying to help them.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Julia when she said that rape can be more harmful than a murder. When you are murdered you died and you don't have to live with the psychological scars that come from being raped. What's more then having to deal with lack of support from your community and even being shamed just for trying to save your family is unthinkable. What's worse it that women have to go through this horrible experience otherwise they and their families will die.
ReplyDelete