North Darfur army commander threatens to punish baby murders

A commander of Sudan's military garrison in Tabit, North Darfur, has warned the fathers of a number of girls who were reportedly impregnated by soldiers that baby murders will be punished.

A Sheikh from the area told Radio Dabanga on Friday that an unmarried woman had given birth to a baby earlier this week, that was conceived by one of the soldiers from the garrison. She killed the baby right after it was born, he reported.

Military police were informed by a religious leader in Tabit about the murder and arrested the woman, and brought her to Shala Prison in El Fasher.

The cleric then informed the commander of the military garrison near Tabit, someone with the rank of major and named Abdallah, that there are ten more unmarried girls in the village, most of whom have been impregnated by soldiers. The girls are 15 to 18 years old.

One of their mothers told Radio Dabanga: “The cleric told the commander that he is afraid that these girls are also going to kill their unborn or born babies.” Abortion is forbidden by Islamic law.

On Friday, the commander summoned the pregnant girls' guardians, the Sheikh in Tabit reported. “He warned them not to allow their daughters to abort the unborn babies, and not to kill the baby when they are born.

“He threatened to punish the girl as well as her parents if they commit the baby murder or abortion.”

The mother confirmed that the commander made these statements. “Most of these girls are pregnant from soldiers.”

She explained that it is not exceptional that soldiers from the nearby garrison visit women and girls in Tabit village for their company. They would sometimes give money to the girls.

Pregnancies outside of marriage are considered illegal and shameful for the girl or woman, and her family. Sometimes seen as a prostitute in local communities, it is nearly impossible for the girl to marry.

Related:

Tabit men arrested, army transfers troops accused of North Darfur rape (13 November 2014)