More than 60,000 Flee Sudanese City After Seizure by Rapid Support Forces Militia, United Nations States

Refugees fleeing conflict in the region
Many seek to get to the town of Tawila but face intimidation, demands for money and mistreatment from fighters along the way

As stated by the UNHCR, more than 60,000 individuals have escaped the city in Sudan of el-Fasher, which was taken over by the paramilitary RSF over the weekend.

Reports indicate summary killings and human rights violations as paramilitary forces stormed the city after an year-and-a-half encirclement featuring food shortages and sustained attacks.

The movement of those running from the conflict towards the town of Tawila, about 80km (50 miles) west of el-Fasher, had accelerated in the recent days, according to United Nations refugee agency spokesperson.

Refugees were telling horrendous stories of violence, such as rape, and the organization was struggling to locate adequate shelter and food for them.

All children was affected by nutritional deficiencies, she added.

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

The RSF has rejected widespread claims that the deaths in el-Fasher are based on ethnic factors and resemble a trend of the Arab fighters targeting non-Arab populations.

Yet the paramilitary group has custodied one of its members, Abu Lulu, who has been charged with summary executions.

The force released video showing the member's arrest following identification that he was involved in the execution of numerous unarmed men close to el-Fasher.

Video sharing service has acknowledged that it has removed the account connected to Lulu. Uncertainty exists whether he had controlled the profile in his name.

Sudan was plunged into a internal conflict in April 2023 after a intense struggle for power began between its military and the RSF.

It has led to a starvation emergency and allegations of mass killing in the western Darfur region.

More than 150,000 individuals have died in the fighting across the country, and about 12 million have left their homes in what the UN has called the biggest global humanitarian emergency.

The takeover of el-Fasher solidifies the territorial division in the country, with the Rapid Support Forces now in command of the western region and much of adjacent Kordofan to the south, and the army holding the capital, Khartoum, the center and east along the coastal region.

The two warring rivals had been partners - taking over together in a coup in 2021 - but fell out over an internationally backed proposal to move towards civilian leadership.

Lisa Thomas
Lisa Thomas

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