Over 60,000 Run from Sudan's City In the wake of Seizure by RSF Militia, UN Says

Displaced people escaping conflict in the region
Many seek to get to the settlement of Tawila but face harassment, demands for money and abuse from armed men during their journey

According to the UNHCR, over 60,000 individuals have fled the city in Sudan of el-Fasher, which was taken over by the militia RSF during the weekend.

Reports indicate mass executions and crimes against humanity as RSF fighters entered the city after an year-and-a-half encirclement featuring famine and sustained attacks.

The exodus of those fleeing the conflict towards the community of Tawila, about 80km (50 miles) west of el-Fasher, had grown in the last several days, per United Nations refugee agency spokesperson.

Survivors were telling shocking stories of violence, featuring rape, and the humanitarian group was having trouble to secure adequate shelter and food for them.

Every child was affected by undernourishment, she added.

Calculations indicate that in excess of 150,000 residents are currently trapped in el-Fasher, which had been the army's remaining bastion in the western region of Darfur.

The Rapid Support Forces has rejected widespread accusations that the killings in el-Fasher are driven by ethnicity and resemble a practice of the Arab paramilitaries focusing on ethnic minorities.

However the paramilitary group has custodied one of its fighters, Abu Lulu, who has been charged with summary executions.

The organization shared video revealing the militiaman's detention subsequent to verification that he was involved in the death of multiple civilians near el-Fasher.

Digital platform has confirmed that it has removed the profile linked to Lulu. The status remains unclear whether he had controlled the profile in his name.

Sudan was plunged into a internal conflict in April 2023 following a vicious contest for control broke out between its army and the Rapid Support Forces.

This has led to a famine and allegations of mass killing in the western Sudan.

Over 150,000 individuals have been killed in the fighting around the country, and about 12 million have fled their dwellings in what the UN has described as the most extensive humanitarian disaster.

The seizure of el-Fasher solidifies the territorial division in the country, with the RSF now in control of western Sudan and significant areas of bordering Kordofan to the south, and the army controlling the capital, Khartoum, central and eastern regions along the Red Sea.

The two warring rivals had been collaborators - taking over together in a seizure of power in 2021 - but disagreed over an internationally backed plan to move towards democratic governance.

Christine Walker
Christine Walker

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in the online casino industry, specializing in slot mechanics and player psychology.