More than 60,000 Run from Sudan's City Following Capture by Rapid Support Forces Paramilitary Group, UN States

Refugees escaping conflict in Sudan
Many are trying to reach the town of Tawila but experience intimidation, extortion and abuse from fighters along the way

Per the UN refugee agency, over 60,000 civilians have fled the city in Sudan of el-Fasher, which was captured by the paramilitary RSF over the weekend.

Reports indicate summary killings and human rights violations as paramilitary forces took control of the city after an extended blockade marked by famine and heavy bombardment.

The exodus of those escaping the violence towards the community of Tawila, about 80km (50 miles) to the west of el-Fasher, had increased in the past few days, as stated by United Nations refugee agency spokesperson.

Survivors were telling shocking accounts of atrocities, such as sexual violence, and the humanitarian group was having trouble to secure adequate shelter and nourishment for them.

Every child was experiencing undernourishment, she noted.

Estimates suggest that in excess of 150,000 residents are currently trapped in el-Fasher, which had been the military's final stronghold in the western part of Darfur.

The Rapid Support Forces has denied extensive allegations that the executions in el-Fasher are ethnically motivated and mirror a pattern of the Arab militia groups targeting ethnic minorities.

Yet the RSF has custodied one of its fighters, Abu Lulu, who has been implicated in summary executions.

The organization released footage revealing the member's detention following identification that he was involved in the killing of numerous civilians near el-Fasher.

Digital platform has confirmed that it has banned the profile connected to Lulu. Uncertainty exists whether he had operated the profile in his identity.

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

The conflict has led to a food crisis and accusations of mass killing in the western Darfur region.

In excess of 150,000 individuals have lost their lives in the fighting throughout the country, and about 12 million have left their residences in what the United Nations has described as the world's largest humanitarian crisis.

The seizure of el-Fasher strengthens the geographic split in the country, with the RSF now in dominance of Sudan's west and much of bordering Kordofan to the southern area, and the army controlling the main city, Khartoum, central and eastern regions along the coastal region.

The two warring rivals had been allies - taking over together in a takeover in 2021 - but split over an foreign-endorsed plan to move towards civilian leadership.

James Ward
James Ward

Astrophysicist and science communicator passionate about unraveling the mysteries of the universe through accessible writing.