In excess of 60,000 Run from Sudanese City In the wake of Takeover by RSF Paramilitary Group, UN Says

Refugees escaping conflict in the region
Numerous are attempting to get to the town of Tawila but encounter intimidation, demands for money and mistreatment from armed men during their journey

Per the UNHCR, over 60,000 civilians have fled the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, which was seized by the militia Rapid Support Forces recently.

There have been summary killings and human rights violations as RSF fighters stormed the city following an extended encirclement characterized by famine and heavy bombardment.

The exodus of those escaping the fighting towards the community of Tawila, about 80km (50 miles) west of el-Fasher, had increased in the past few days, as stated by UNHCR representative.

Refugees were telling horrendous tales of violence, including sexual violence, and the organization was having trouble to locate adequate shelter and supplies for them.

Each child was affected by undernourishment, she added.

It is estimated that more than 150,000 residents are presently stranded in el-Fasher, which had been the military's last fortress in the western part of Darfur.

The Rapid Support Forces has denied widespread accusations that the executions in el-Fasher are based on ethnic factors and resemble a trend of the Arab fighters targeting ethnic minorities.

However the RSF has custodied one of its militiamen, Abu Lulu, who has been accused of on-the-spot executions.

The group released footage depicting the member's arrest after identification that he was involved in the killing of several unarmed men close to el-Fasher.

Social media platform has verified that it has suspended the channel associated with Lulu. The status remains unclear whether he had managed the profile in his identity.

Sudan was thrown into a internal conflict in April 2023 when a intense contest for control broke out between its army and the RSF.

This has resulted in a food crisis and allegations of mass killing in the western Darfur region.

In excess of 150,000 people have lost their lives in the fighting around the country, and roughly 12 million have abandoned their residences in what the UN has termed the biggest global humanitarian emergency.

The takeover of el-Fasher strengthens the territorial division in the country, with the Rapid Support Forces now in command of the western region and significant areas of bordering Kordofan to the southern area, and the military controlling the main city, Khartoum, the center and east along the Red Sea.

The opposing sides had been partners - gaining control together in a coup in 2021 - but split over an foreign-endorsed proposal to move towards civilian leadership.

Alicia Pierce
Alicia Pierce

A passionate gamer and tech writer with over a decade of experience covering the latest trends in the gaming industry.