In excess of 60,000 Run from Sudanese City Following Seizure by RSF Paramilitary Group, United Nations Says

Displaced people fleeing violence in Sudan
Numerous are trying to reach the settlement of Tawila but face intimidation, extortion and abuse from fighters along the way

As stated by the UNHCR, in excess of 60,000 individuals have fled the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, which was taken over by the militia RSF recently.

Reports indicate multiple executions and human rights violations as paramilitary forces entered the city following an extended blockade characterized by starvation and sustained attacks.

The movement of those escaping the conflict towards the town of Tawila, approximately 80km (50 miles) west of el-Fasher, had increased in the last several days, according to United Nations refugee agency spokesperson.

They were describing terrible stories of atrocities, such as sexual violence, and the humanitarian group was having trouble to locate enough shelter and supplies for them.

Each child was suffering from malnutrition, she added.

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

The Rapid Support Forces has denied broad allegations that the killings in el-Fasher are based on ethnic factors and resemble a trend of the Arab paramilitaries focusing on non-Arab populations.

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

The force released footage revealing the militiaman's detention subsequent to identification that he was responsible for the execution of multiple unarmed men close to el-Fasher.

Digital platform has acknowledged that it has suspended the account associated with Lulu. The status remains unclear whether he had managed the profile in his name.

Sudan was plunged into a civil war in April 2023 when a brutal power struggle erupted between its army and the Rapid Support Forces.

This has resulted in a food crisis and accusations of genocide in the western Sudan.

More than 150,000 people have died in the war around the country, and approximately 12 million have fled their dwellings in what the United Nations has termed the biggest global humanitarian disaster.

The capture of el-Fasher strengthens the territorial division in the country, with the Rapid Support Forces now in dominance of Sudan's west and much of neighbouring Kordofan to the south, and the army controlling the capital, Khartoum, the center and east along the coastal region.

The two warring rivals had been collaborators - gaining control together in a seizure of power in 2021 - but disagreed over an internationally backed plan to move towards civilian leadership.

Amanda Mccarthy
Amanda Mccarthy

A seasoned gaming enthusiast with over a decade of experience in casino analytics and slot machine strategy development.