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

Displaced people fleeing violence in the region
Numerous are attempting to reach the town of Tawila but face harassment, extortion and abuse from militiamen during their journey

According to the United Nations refugee organization, in excess of 60,000 individuals have escaped the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, which was seized by the militia RSF recently.

There have been summary killings and atrocities as RSF fighters took control of the city following an extended siege characterized by food shortages and intense shelling.

The exodus of those escaping the fighting towards the town of Tawila, about 80km (50 miles) to the west of el-Fasher, had increased in the past few days, according to UNHCR representative.

Survivors were telling terrible stories of abuses, featuring sexual violence, and the organization was finding it difficult to locate sufficient housing and nourishment for them.

Every child was affected by malnutrition, she commented.

Estimates suggest that in excess of 150,000 residents are still unable to leave in el-Fasher, which had been the military's remaining stronghold in the western part of Darfur.

The Rapid Support Forces has rejected extensive claims that the executions in el-Fasher are based on ethnic factors and mirror a practice of the Arab militia groups attacking non-Arab populations.

However the paramilitary group has arrested one of its members, Abu Lulu, who has been implicated in summary executions.

The organization distributed footage depicting the militiaman's detention after identification that he was involved in the killing of several non-combatants in the vicinity of el-Fasher.

Digital platform has acknowledged that it has banned the account associated with Lulu. Uncertainty exists whether he had managed the account in his identity.

Sudan was plunged into a civil war in April 2023 following a intense struggle for power erupted between its army and the RSF.

It has led to a starvation emergency and accusations of mass killing in the western Darfur region.

More than 150,000 persons have lost their lives in the fighting around the country, and roughly 12 million have left their residences in what the UN has termed the world's largest humanitarian emergency.

The capture of el-Fasher solidifies the territorial division in the country, with the Rapid Support Forces now in command of Sudan's west and a large portion of adjacent Kordofan to the southern area, and the military controlling the main city, Khartoum, the center and east along the coastal region.

The two warring rivals had been collaborators - gaining control together in a coup in 2021 - but fell out over an internationally backed plan to advance to democratic governance.

David Pearson
David Pearson

A passionate gamer and tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in game journalism and community building.