In excess of 60,000 Run from Sudan's City Following Seizure by RSF Paramilitary Group, UN States

Refugees fleeing conflict in the region
Many seek to get to the settlement of Tawila but experience intimidation, extortion and mistreatment from fighters along the way

As stated by the UNHCR, in excess of 60,000 people have fled the city in Sudan of el-Fasher, which was seized by the militia Rapid Support Forces during the weekend.

Reports indicate multiple executions and human rights violations as RSF fighters stormed the city following an extended encirclement marked by starvation and sustained attacks.

The flow of those fleeing the conflict towards the town of Tawila, approximately 80km (50 miles) to the west of el-Fasher, had accelerated in the past few days, as stated by United Nations refugee agency representative.

Refugees were describing horrendous stories of violence, featuring sexual violence, and the agency was having trouble to find sufficient housing and supplies for them.

Each child was suffering from undernourishment, she added.

It is estimated that over 150,000 residents are still trapped in el-Fasher, which had been the army's last stronghold in the western region of Darfur.

The RSF has disputed broad claims that the deaths in el-Fasher are based on ethnic factors and follow a trend of the Arab militia groups targeting ethnic minorities.

Nevertheless the RSF has detained one of its fighters, Abu Lulu, who has been charged with summary executions.

The group shared video depicting the fighter's apprehension following confirmation that he was responsible for the killing of multiple unarmed men in the vicinity of el-Fasher.

Social media platform has acknowledged that it has removed the account associated with Lulu. It is not clear whether he had managed the profile in his identity.

Sudan was entered a internal conflict in April 2023 when a vicious power struggle began between its military and the Rapid Support Forces.

This has resulted in a starvation emergency and accusations of genocide in the western Darfur region.

Over 150,000 people have lost their lives in the conflict throughout the country, and about 12 million have abandoned their residences in what the UN has described as the biggest global humanitarian emergency.

The takeover of el-Fasher solidifies the regional separation in the country, with the RSF now in dominance of western Sudan and much of bordering Kordofan to the southern area, and the military controlling the main city, Khartoum, the center and east along the coastal region.

The opposing sides had been partners - taking over together in a takeover in 2021 - but disagreed over an foreign-endorsed proposal to move towards democratic governance.

William Stevenson
William Stevenson

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