More than 60,000 Run from Sudanese City After Takeover by RSF Paramilitary Group, United Nations States
Per the UNHCR, more than 60,000 people have left the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, which was taken over by the militia Rapid Support Forces during the weekend.
Reports indicate multiple executions and atrocities as RSF fighters entered the city after an year-and-a-half siege characterized by food shortages and sustained attacks.
The flow of those escaping the violence towards the town of Tawila, about 80km (50 miles) to the west of el-Fasher, had increased in the last several days, as stated by United Nations refugee agency spokesperson.
Survivors were describing horrendous stories of abuses, including rape, and the agency was having trouble to secure enough housing and nourishment for them.
Each child was experiencing undernourishment, she added.
Estimates suggest that more than 150,000 individuals are currently unable to leave in el-Fasher, which had been the military's final stronghold in the western part of Darfur.
The Rapid Support Forces has denied broad allegations that the executions in el-Fasher are driven by ethnicity and resemble a pattern of the Arab paramilitaries focusing on non-Arab populations.
Yet the RSF has detained one of its militiamen, Abu Lulu, who has been accused of summary executions.
The organization distributed footage revealing the fighter's apprehension after identification that he was responsible for the death of multiple non-combatants in the vicinity of el-Fasher.
Video sharing service has acknowledged that it has removed the profile associated with Lulu. Uncertainty exists whether he had operated the profile in his identity.
Sudan was plunged into a domestic fighting in April 2023 when a vicious contest for control broke out between its military and the RSF.
It has led to a famine and allegations of genocide in the western Darfur region.
Over 150,000 persons have been killed in the fighting throughout the country, and approximately 12 million have left their residences in what the UN has called the most extensive humanitarian crisis.
The seizure of el-Fasher solidifies the territorial division in the country, with the Rapid Support Forces now in control of Sudan's west and a large portion of neighbouring Kordofan to the southern area, and the army controlling the capital, Khartoum, central and eastern areas along the Red Sea.
The two warring rivals had been partners - coming to power together in a coup in 2021 - but split over an globally supported proposal to move towards civilian rule.