More than 60,000 Escape Sudan's City In the wake of Capture by RSF Militia, UN Reports

Refugees escaping conflict in Sudan
Many are trying to get to the settlement of Tawila but encounter intimidation, extortion and mistreatment from militiamen during their journey

According to the UN refugee agency, more than 60,000 individuals have left the city in Sudan of el-Fasher, which was seized by the militia Rapid Support Forces during the weekend.

Reports indicate multiple executions and human rights violations as militia members took control of the city following an 18-month blockade characterized by starvation and sustained attacks.

The flow of those fleeing the conflict towards the community of Tawila, about 80km (50 miles) west of el-Fasher, had increased in the past few days, as stated by UNHCR representative.

Survivors were describing horrendous accounts of violence, including rape, and the humanitarian group was struggling to locate enough shelter and nourishment for them.

Each child was experiencing malnutrition, she added.

Estimates suggest that over 150,000 people are presently stranded in el-Fasher, which had been the army's last bastion in the western region of Darfur.

The Rapid Support Forces has rejected widespread accusations that the deaths in el-Fasher are based on ethnic factors and resemble a pattern of the Arab paramilitaries attacking non-Arab communities.

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

The organization shared recordings revealing the member's arrest following verification that he was involved in the killing of several unarmed men near el-Fasher.

Digital platform has confirmed that it has suspended the profile connected to Lulu. It is not clear whether he had operated the account in his name.

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

The conflict has led to a starvation emergency and claims of genocide in the western Darfur region.

In excess of 150,000 people have died in the conflict around the country, and roughly 12 million have fled their homes in what the UN has called the world's largest humanitarian crisis.

The seizure of el-Fasher solidifies the geographic split in the country, with the Rapid Support Forces now in control of western Sudan and much of neighbouring Kordofan to the south, and the military holding the main city, Khartoum, central and eastern regions along the coastal region.

The two warring rivals had been allies - taking over together in a takeover in 2021 - but disagreed over an globally supported plan to advance to democratic governance.

Shawna Stewart
Shawna Stewart

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