Over 60,000 Run from Sudanese City After Seizure by RSF Militia, UN Reports

Refugees fleeing conflict in the region
Numerous are attempting to get to the settlement of Tawila but encounter harassment, extortion and abuse from fighters during their journey

According to the United Nations refugee organization, in excess of 60,000 individuals have left the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, which was captured by the paramilitary RSF over the weekend.

Reports indicate mass executions and crimes against humanity as RSF fighters entered the city after an 18-month encirclement marked by famine and heavy bombardment.

The movement of those escaping the fighting towards the town of Tawila, about 80km (50 miles) to the west of el-Fasher, had increased in the recent days, as stated by United Nations refugee agency spokesperson.

Refugees were describing shocking stories of atrocities, including rape, and the organization was having trouble to locate sufficient housing and food for them.

Every child was affected by undernourishment, she noted.

It is estimated that in excess of 150,000 individuals are still unable to leave in el-Fasher, which had been the army's last bastion in the western region of Darfur.

The RSF has rejected widespread accusations that the executions in el-Fasher are based on ethnic factors and resemble a trend of the Arab fighters attacking ethnic minorities.

Yet the RSF has custodied one of its members, Abu Lulu, who has been implicated in extrajudicial killings.

The organization shared recordings depicting the member's apprehension after identification that he was behind the death of multiple unarmed men in the vicinity of el-Fasher.

Social media platform has confirmed that it has suspended the account connected to Lulu. Uncertainty exists whether he had managed the account in his name.

Sudan was thrown into a civil war in April 2023 when a vicious struggle for power broke out between its military and the RSF.

It has caused a famine and allegations of genocide in the western Sudan.

In excess of 150,000 individuals have lost their lives in the fighting across the country, and roughly 12 million have abandoned their residences in what the United Nations has called the most extensive humanitarian crisis.

The seizure of el-Fasher reinforces the geographic split in the country, with the RSF now in command of the western region and significant areas of neighbouring Kordofan to the southern area, and the military holding the main city, Khartoum, the center and east along the Red Sea.

The competing factions had been allies - taking over together in a seizure of power in 2021 - but disagreed over an internationally backed plan to move towards civilian rule.

Deanna Davis
Deanna Davis

A passionate gamer and writer with years of experience in strategy gaming and community building.