Over 60,000 Run from Sudanese City After Capture by Rapid Support Forces Paramilitary Group, UN Reports

Refugees escaping violence in the region
Numerous are attempting to reach the settlement of Tawila but face harassment, extortion and abuse from militiamen along the way

As stated by the UN refugee agency, over 60,000 people have left the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, which was taken over by the paramilitary RSF recently.

There have been mass executions and crimes against humanity as militia members stormed the city after an extended blockade characterized by famine and heavy bombardment.

The exodus of those fleeing the fighting towards the town of Tawila, roughly 80km (50 miles) to the west of el-Fasher, had grown in the past few days, as stated by UNHCR representative.

Refugees were describing shocking tales of abuses, such as sexual violence, and the humanitarian group was finding it difficult to find sufficient housing and supplies for them.

Every child was suffering from malnutrition, she noted.

Estimates suggest that more than 150,000 people are presently unable to leave in el-Fasher, which had been the army's final stronghold in the western region of Darfur.

The RSF has rejected broad allegations that the killings in el-Fasher are ethnically motivated and resemble a trend of the Arab paramilitaries targeting non-Arab communities.

Yet the RSF has custodied one of its fighters, Abu Lulu, who has been accused of extrajudicial killings.

The force distributed footage depicting the member's detention following identification that he was behind the killing of several non-combatants close to el-Fasher.

Social media platform has verified that it has banned the channel linked to Lulu. The status remains unclear whether he had controlled the profile in his identity.

Sudan was entered a domestic fighting in April 2023 following a intense contest for control erupted between its military and the Rapid Support Forces.

It has led to a famine and accusations of mass killing in the western Darfur region.

More than 150,000 individuals have died in the conflict across the country, and about 12 million have abandoned their homes in what the UN has called the most extensive humanitarian disaster.

The capture of el-Fasher solidifies the territorial division in the country, with the Rapid Support Forces now in command of western Sudan and a large portion of neighbouring Kordofan to the southern area, and the military holding the main city, Khartoum, central and eastern regions along the Red Sea.

The opposing sides had been allies - gaining control together in a seizure of power in 2021 - but fell out over an globally supported plan to advance to civilian rule.

Heather Morris
Heather Morris

Elara is a historian and writer passionate about uncovering the stories behind ancient civilizations and their legacies.

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