More than 60,000 Run from Sudan's City After Capture by Rapid Support Forces Paramilitary Group, United Nations States

Displaced people escaping violence in the region
Many are attempting to get to the settlement of Tawila but experience harassment, extortion and abuse from fighters during their journey

According to the United Nations refugee organization, in excess of 60,000 people have fled the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, which was taken over by the militia Rapid Support Forces recently.

There have been summary killings and atrocities as militia members entered the city after an 18-month blockade marked by starvation and heavy bombardment.

The flow of those escaping the violence towards the community of Tawila, approximately 80km (50 miles) west of el-Fasher, had grown in the last several days, according to UNHCR spokesperson.

They were narrating horrendous accounts of abuses, such as rape, and the humanitarian group was struggling to secure sufficient housing and food for them.

All children was experiencing nutritional deficiencies, she commented.

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

The RSF has disputed broad accusations that the deaths in el-Fasher are driven by ethnicity and follow a pattern of the Arab militia groups focusing on ethnic minorities.

Yet the RSF has arrested one of its fighters, Abu Lulu, who has been implicated in on-the-spot executions.

The force shared footage showing the fighter's apprehension subsequent to verification that he was behind the killing of multiple unarmed men near el-Fasher.

Video sharing service has confirmed that it has suspended the account linked to Lulu. It is not clear whether he had operated the account in his name.

Sudan was thrown into a civil war in April 2023 following a vicious contest for control began between its army and the Rapid Support Forces.

The conflict has resulted in a food crisis and claims of genocide in the Darfur area.

More than 150,000 people have died in the fighting throughout the country, and roughly 12 million have abandoned their homes in what the UN has described as the most extensive humanitarian disaster.

The takeover of el-Fasher strengthens the regional separation in the country, with the Rapid Support Forces now in dominance of the western region and much of neighbouring Kordofan to the south, and the army controlling the main city, Khartoum, central and eastern areas along the coastal region.

The two warring rivals had been partners - gaining control together in a takeover in 2021 - but disagreed over an foreign-endorsed plan to transition to democratic governance.

Kayla Cunningham
Kayla Cunningham

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