More than 60,000 Flee Sudanese City In the wake of Takeover by RSF Militia, United Nations States

Displaced people fleeing violence in Sudan
Many are attempting to get to the town of Tawila but encounter intimidation, extortion and abuse from armed men along the way

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

There have been summary killings and atrocities as paramilitary forces stormed the city after an 18-month encirclement characterized by famine and intense shelling.

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

Refugees were describing horrendous tales of abuses, including rape, and the agency was having trouble to secure enough shelter and food for them.

Each child was suffering from undernourishment, she added.

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

The RSF has rejected broad allegations that the executions in el-Fasher are ethnically motivated and resemble a pattern of the Arab fighters focusing on ethnic minorities.

Yet the RSF has arrested one of its militiamen, Abu Lulu, who has been charged with summary executions.

The group shared recordings revealing the member's arrest subsequent to confirmation that he was involved in the killing of numerous unarmed men near el-Fasher.

Digital platform has acknowledged that it has suspended the channel connected to Lulu. The status remains unclear whether he had managed the profile in his identity.

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

This has caused a famine and allegations of ethnic cleansing in the western Darfur region.

In excess of 150,000 individuals have been killed in the fighting across the country, and about 12 million have fled their homes 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 Rapid Support Forces now in command of Sudan's west and a large portion of neighbouring Kordofan to the south, and the army holding the capital, Khartoum, the center and east along the Red Sea.

The two warring rivals had been partners - taking over together in a coup in 2021 - but fell out over an internationally backed initiative to transition to civilian rule.

Tiffany Young
Tiffany Young

Elara is a seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering stories that matter, blending data-driven insights with compelling narratives.