Over 60,000 Run from Sudanese City After Takeover by RSF Paramilitary Group, United Nations States

Refugees escaping conflict in Sudan
Many are attempting to reach the town of Tawila but encounter intimidation, extortion and abuse from armed men during their journey

According to the UNHCR, in excess of 60,000 individuals have left the city in Sudan of el-Fasher, which was captured by the militia Rapid Support Forces recently.

Reports indicate mass executions and atrocities as militia members stormed the city following an 18-month encirclement characterized by food shortages and heavy bombardment.

The flow of those fleeing the violence towards the town of Tawila, roughly 80km (50 miles) west of el-Fasher, had grown in the past few days, as stated by United Nations refugee agency spokesperson.

They were telling shocking tales of atrocities, including rape, and the organization was having trouble to locate enough housing and nourishment for them.

All children was affected by undernourishment, she commented.

It is estimated that in excess of 150,000 individuals are presently trapped in el-Fasher, which had been the army's final bastion in the western part of Darfur.

The RSF has denied widespread allegations that the executions in el-Fasher are based on ethnic factors and resemble a pattern of the Arab paramilitaries attacking non-Arab communities.

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

The organization released footage revealing the fighter's arrest after confirmation that he was involved in the death of numerous non-combatants in the vicinity of el-Fasher.

Video sharing service has confirmed that it has removed the account linked to Lulu. The status remains unclear whether he had managed the profile in his identity.

Sudan was entered a internal conflict in April 2023 when a vicious struggle for power erupted between its army and the Rapid Support Forces.

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

In excess of 150,000 persons have died in the conflict across the country, and roughly 12 million have fled their homes in what the UN has termed the most extensive humanitarian disaster.

The capture of el-Fasher solidifies the territorial division in the country, with the Rapid Support Forces now in dominance of Sudan's west and much of bordering Kordofan to the south, and the army holding the main city, Khartoum, central and eastern areas along the coastal region.

The opposing sides had been partners - gaining control together in a coup in 2021 - but fell out over an globally supported proposal to move towards civilian rule.

Devin Brady
Devin Brady

Lena is a cybersecurity specialist with over 10 years of experience in IT infrastructure and digital risk management.