More than 60,000 Escape Sudanese City After Takeover by RSF Militia, UN States
As stated by the UNHCR, in excess of 60,000 individuals have left the city in Sudan of el-Fasher, which was taken over by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces during the weekend.
Reports indicate mass executions and crimes against humanity as militia members entered the city following an 18-month blockade characterized by famine and intense shelling.
The flow of those fleeing the fighting towards the community of Tawila, approximately 80km (50 miles) west of el-Fasher, had increased in the past few days, according to UNHCR spokesperson.
Survivors were narrating terrible stories of atrocities, featuring rape, and the organization was having trouble to find adequate shelter and nourishment for them.
Every child was suffering from malnutrition, she added.
Estimates suggest that more than 150,000 residents are still unable to leave in el-Fasher, which had been the military's remaining stronghold 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 trend of the Arab paramilitaries focusing on non-Arab populations.
However the RSF has detained one of its militiamen, Abu Lulu, who has been charged with extrajudicial killings.
The force released video showing the militiaman's detention subsequent to verification that he was responsible for the execution of several civilians near el-Fasher.
Digital platform has confirmed that it has removed the profile connected to Lulu. Uncertainty exists whether he had managed the account in his name.
Sudan was plunged into a domestic fighting in April 2023 when a intense contest for control began between its army and the Rapid Support Forces.
This has caused a famine and claims of genocide in the western Darfur region.
Over 150,000 persons have lost their lives in the war around the country, and approximately 12 million have abandoned their homes in what the UN has described as the biggest global humanitarian disaster.
The capture of el-Fasher strengthens the regional separation in the country, with the Rapid Support Forces now in command of Sudan's west and significant areas of adjacent Kordofan to the southern area, and the army occupying the main city, Khartoum, central and eastern areas along the coastal region.
The two warring rivals had been collaborators - coming to power together in a takeover in 2021 - but disagreed over an globally supported initiative to advance to civilian rule.