More than 60,000 Escape Sudanese City Following Takeover by RSF Paramilitary Group, UN Says

Displaced people escaping conflict in Sudan
Numerous are trying to get to the settlement of Tawila but encounter intimidation, demands for money and abuse from armed men along the way

Per the United Nations refugee organization, more than 60,000 civilians have left the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, which was seized by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces over the weekend.

Accounts suggest multiple executions and crimes against humanity as RSF fighters stormed the city following an year-and-a-half blockade featuring famine and heavy bombardment.

The flow of those fleeing the conflict towards the town of Tawila, about 80km (50 miles) to the west of el-Fasher, had accelerated in the past few days, according to UNHCR spokesperson.

Survivors were telling shocking stories of violence, such as sexual violence, and the organization was having trouble to secure adequate shelter and nourishment for them.

Every child was affected by nutritional deficiencies, she noted.

Estimates suggest that over 150,000 people are presently trapped in el-Fasher, which had been the military's last fortress in the western part of Darfur.

The Rapid Support Forces has disputed extensive accusations that the deaths in el-Fasher are based on ethnic factors and resemble a pattern of the Arab fighters attacking ethnic minorities.

However the paramilitary group has detained one of its fighters, Abu Lulu, who has been implicated in on-the-spot executions.

The group shared recordings revealing the member's arrest following confirmation that he was responsible for the death of multiple non-combatants near el-Fasher.

Digital platform has verified that it has removed the account connected to Lulu. Uncertainty exists whether he had controlled the profile in his name.

Sudan was thrown into a internal conflict in April 2023 when a brutal struggle for power began between its army and the Rapid Support Forces.

This has resulted in a famine and accusations of mass killing in the Darfur area.

Over 150,000 people have been killed in the fighting across the country, and roughly 12 million have left their dwellings in what the UN has described as the biggest global humanitarian emergency.

The capture of el-Fasher strengthens the regional separation in the country, with the RSF now in control of western Sudan and much of bordering Kordofan to the southern area, and the military holding the capital, Khartoum, central and eastern regions along the coastal region.

The two warring rivals had been partners - coming to power together in a coup in 2021 - but disagreed over an globally supported plan to advance to civilian leadership.

Leslie Norris
Leslie Norris

Lena Schmidt is a senior industrial engineer with over 15 years of experience in automation and process optimization, specializing in sustainable manufacturing practices.