Over 60,000 Run from Sudan's City In the wake of Takeover by RSF Paramilitary Group, UN Reports

Refugees escaping conflict in Sudan
Numerous are attempting to reach the settlement of Tawila but face intimidation, extortion and mistreatment from armed men along the way

As stated by the United Nations refugee organization, over 60,000 individuals have fled the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, which was seized by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces during the weekend.

Reports indicate summary killings and human rights violations as militia members entered the city after an extended encirclement marked by famine and heavy bombardment.

The movement of those running from the fighting towards the town of Tawila, roughly 80km (50 miles) to the west of el-Fasher, had accelerated in the last several days, according to UNHCR spokesperson.

Survivors were telling horrendous accounts of violence, including sexual violence, and the humanitarian group was having trouble to find adequate shelter and supplies for them.

Every child was suffering from malnutrition, she added.

Calculations indicate that over 150,000 residents are still stranded in el-Fasher, which had been the military's remaining fortress in the western part of Darfur.

The Rapid Support Forces has disputed extensive accusations that the killings in el-Fasher are ethnically motivated and follow a trend of the Arab fighters focusing on ethnic minorities.

Yet the paramilitary group has custodied one of its militiamen, Abu Lulu, who has been implicated in summary executions.

The force released video depicting the fighter's apprehension subsequent to confirmation that he was involved in the execution of numerous unarmed men in the vicinity of el-Fasher.

Video sharing service has confirmed that it has banned the profile associated with Lulu. It is not clear whether he had managed the profile in his name.

Sudan was plunged into a domestic fighting in April 2023 when a brutal power struggle erupted between its military and the RSF.

This has resulted in a food crisis and claims of mass killing in the western Sudan.

More than 150,000 persons have been killed in the conflict around the country, and about 12 million have left their dwellings in what the UN has described as the most extensive humanitarian disaster.

The seizure of el-Fasher solidifies the geographic split in the country, with the Rapid Support Forces now in command of the western region and significant areas of neighbouring Kordofan to the southern area, and the army occupying the main city, Khartoum, the center and east along the coastal region.

The two warring rivals had been collaborators - gaining control together in a seizure of power in 2021 - but fell out over an globally supported proposal to move towards civilian rule.

Christopher Patrick
Christopher Patrick

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