In excess of 60,000 Run from Sudanese City After Capture by RSF Militia, United Nations States

Displaced people escaping conflict in the region
Many are trying to get to the settlement of Tawila but experience harassment, extortion and mistreatment from fighters along the way

As stated by the UNHCR, more than 60,000 people have left the city in Sudan of el-Fasher, which was captured by the militia RSF recently.

Accounts suggest summary killings and human rights violations as RSF fighters stormed the city after an extended siege featuring famine and heavy bombardment.

The flow of those running from the conflict towards the town of Tawila, about 80km (50 miles) to the west of el-Fasher, had accelerated in the last several days, per United Nations refugee agency spokesperson.

Survivors were telling horrendous tales of abuses, including sexual violence, and the humanitarian group was struggling to secure sufficient accommodation and supplies for them.

Each child was affected by malnutrition, she added.

It is estimated that more than 150,000 residents are currently unable to leave in el-Fasher, which had been the army's final bastion in the western part of Darfur.

The Rapid Support Forces has denied extensive claims that the deaths in el-Fasher are based on ethnic factors and follow a practice of the Arab militia groups targeting ethnic minorities.

Nevertheless the RSF has custodied one of its members, Abu Lulu, who has been implicated in extrajudicial killings.

The force distributed recordings showing the member's detention after identification that he was behind the execution of several non-combatants near el-Fasher.

Digital platform has acknowledged that it has suspended the account associated with Lulu. It is not clear whether he had managed the account in his name.

Sudan was thrown into a civil war in April 2023 following a vicious contest for control erupted between its military and the RSF.

It has led to a food crisis and allegations of ethnic cleansing in the western Darfur region.

More than 150,000 individuals have lost their lives in the fighting throughout the country, and approximately 12 million have abandoned their residences in what the UN has called the biggest global humanitarian emergency.

The seizure of el-Fasher strengthens the territorial division in the country, with the Rapid Support Forces now in control of the western region and a large portion of neighbouring Kordofan to the south, and the military holding the main city, Khartoum, central and eastern regions along the Red Sea.

The two warring rivals had been allies - taking over together in a seizure of power in 2021 - but split over an globally supported proposal to advance to democratic governance.

Karen Rojas
Karen Rojas

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about exploring emerging technologies and sharing actionable insights with readers.