More than 60,000 Flee Sudan's City After Takeover by RSF Militia, United Nations States

Displaced people escaping violence in the region
Numerous are trying to get to the town of Tawila but face intimidation, extortion and abuse from armed men during their journey

As stated by the UNHCR, over 60,000 civilians have escaped the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, which was taken over by the militia RSF during the weekend.

There have been summary killings and human rights violations as RSF fighters took control of the city after an extended blockade characterized by starvation and sustained attacks.

The movement of those escaping the conflict towards the town of Tawila, about 80km (50 miles) to the west of el-Fasher, had grown in the past few days, according to UNHCR representative.

Survivors were narrating shocking tales of violence, featuring sexual violence, and the agency was struggling to find enough housing and supplies for them.

Every child was experiencing nutritional deficiencies, she added.

It is estimated that over 150,000 people are currently trapped in el-Fasher, which had been the military's remaining stronghold in the western part of Darfur.

The Rapid Support Forces has rejected extensive claims that the executions in el-Fasher are based on ethnic factors and resemble a trend of the Arab paramilitaries attacking ethnic minorities.

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

The group released video revealing the fighter's detention after verification that he was responsible for the execution of numerous civilians near el-Fasher.

Video sharing service has verified that it has banned the channel linked to Lulu. Uncertainty exists whether he had controlled the account in his name.

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

The conflict has caused a starvation emergency and allegations of mass killing in the western Darfur region.

In excess of 150,000 persons have been killed in the war around the country, and about 12 million have left their residences in what the UN has called the most extensive humanitarian emergency.

The capture of el-Fasher strengthens the geographic split in the country, with the Rapid Support Forces now in command of western Sudan and much of adjacent Kordofan to the south, and the army controlling the capital, Khartoum, the center and east along the Red Sea.

The two warring rivals had been allies - taking over together in a takeover in 2021 - but disagreed over an globally supported initiative to advance to civilian rule.

Brian Brown
Brian Brown

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