In excess of 60,000 Run from Sudanese City In the wake of Takeover by Rapid Support Forces Militia, United Nations Says
According to the UNHCR, over 60,000 individuals have fled the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, which was captured by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces over the weekend.
Accounts suggest mass executions and human rights violations as paramilitary forces stormed the city following an extended blockade characterized by famine and intense shelling.
The flow of those fleeing the violence towards the community of Tawila, roughly 80km (50 miles) west of el-Fasher, had increased in the recent days, according to United Nations refugee agency spokesperson.
Refugees were narrating terrible tales of abuses, featuring sexual violence, and the agency was struggling to locate sufficient housing and nourishment for them.
Every child was affected by malnutrition, she added.
It is estimated that more than 150,000 residents are still unable to leave in el-Fasher, which had been the military's last stronghold in the western region of Darfur.
The Rapid Support Forces has denied widespread allegations that the killings in el-Fasher are based on ethnic factors and resemble a pattern of the Arab paramilitaries attacking ethnic minorities.
Nevertheless the RSF has detained one of its fighters, Abu Lulu, who has been implicated in on-the-spot executions.
The force released footage depicting the member's apprehension subsequent to identification that he was involved in the execution of numerous civilians close to el-Fasher.
Digital platform has confirmed that it has suspended the profile connected to Lulu. It is not clear whether he had managed the profile in his name.
Sudan was entered a internal conflict in April 2023 following a vicious contest for control began between its army and the RSF.
This has caused a food crisis and claims of ethnic cleansing in the Darfur area.
Over 150,000 individuals have died in the war around the country, and roughly 12 million have fled their residences in what the United Nations has called the world's largest humanitarian crisis.
The capture of el-Fasher strengthens the geographic split in the country, with the Rapid Support Forces now in control of the western region and significant areas of bordering Kordofan to the southern area, and the military occupying the main city, Khartoum, central and eastern regions along the Red Sea.
The two warring rivals had been collaborators - coming to power together in a coup in 2021 - but split over an foreign-endorsed plan to advance to civilian leadership.
