Over 60,000 Escape Sudanese City Following Seizure by RSF Paramilitary Group, UN Says

Refugees escaping conflict in Sudan
Numerous are attempting to get to the town of Tawila but face harassment, demands for money and abuse from militiamen along the way

Per the United Nations refugee organization, more than 60,000 people have fled the city in Sudan of el-Fasher, which was captured by the paramilitary RSF over the weekend.

There have been summary killings and human rights violations as RSF fighters entered the city after an extended blockade marked by famine and sustained attacks.

The flow of those running from the conflict towards the community of Tawila, about 80km (50 miles) west of el-Fasher, had accelerated in the past few days, per United Nations refugee agency spokesperson.

Refugees were narrating horrendous tales of atrocities, including sexual violence, and the humanitarian group was struggling to secure enough housing and supplies for them.

Each child was suffering from nutritional deficiencies, she noted.

Estimates suggest that more than 150,000 individuals are currently stranded in el-Fasher, which had been the army's final bastion in the western part of Darfur.

The Rapid Support Forces has rejected broad allegations that the killings in el-Fasher are based on ethnic factors and follow a practice of the Arab fighters focusing on ethnic minorities.

Yet the RSF has custodied one of its militiamen, Abu Lulu, who has been accused of on-the-spot executions.

The group released video depicting the militiaman's apprehension following identification that he was involved in the killing of several unarmed men near el-Fasher.

Social media platform has acknowledged that it has removed the account connected to Lulu. The status remains unclear whether he had operated the profile in his identity.

Sudan was plunged into a internal conflict in April 2023 after a intense struggle for power began between its army and the Rapid Support Forces.

This has resulted in a famine and claims of genocide in the western Darfur region.

In excess of 150,000 people have been killed in the fighting throughout the country, and about 12 million have left their dwellings in what the United Nations has described as the most extensive humanitarian crisis.

The takeover of el-Fasher solidifies the territorial division in the country, with the Rapid Support Forces now in dominance of the western region and a large portion of neighbouring Kordofan to the southern area, and the military holding the capital, Khartoum, central and eastern areas along the coastal region.

The two warring rivals had been collaborators - taking over together in a seizure of power in 2021 - but split over an internationally backed proposal to advance to civilian rule.

Veronica Grant
Veronica Grant

A cultural anthropologist and travel writer specializing in Nordic regions, with a passion for documenting local traditions and modern innovations.