More than 60,000 Flee Sudanese City In the wake of Seizure by Rapid Support Forces Militia, UN States

Displaced people fleeing conflict in the region
Many are attempting to reach the town of Tawila but face harassment, demands for money and mistreatment from militiamen during their journey

According to the UN refugee agency, over 60,000 people have left the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, which was seized by the militia Rapid Support Forces during the weekend.

Accounts suggest multiple executions and human rights violations as RSF fighters stormed the city after an 18-month siege characterized by famine and sustained attacks.

The flow of those escaping the conflict towards the town of Tawila, approximately 80km (50 miles) to the west of el-Fasher, had accelerated in the past few days, per UNHCR spokesperson.

They were narrating horrendous accounts of violence, featuring rape, and the agency was having trouble to secure adequate shelter and food for them.

All children was experiencing undernourishment, she commented.

Calculations indicate that more than 150,000 residents are presently stranded in el-Fasher, which had been the military's last fortress in the western part of Darfur.

The Rapid Support Forces has rejected widespread accusations that the killings in el-Fasher are ethnically motivated and resemble a practice of the Arab paramilitaries attacking ethnic minorities.

Yet the RSF has arrested one of its fighters, Abu Lulu, who has been charged with summary executions.

The force distributed video showing the militiaman's apprehension following verification that he was involved in the death of several unarmed men in the vicinity of el-Fasher.

Social media platform has confirmed that it has banned the channel associated with Lulu. The status remains unclear whether he had managed the profile in his name.

Sudan was plunged into a domestic fighting in April 2023 when a brutal struggle for power began between its military and the RSF.

It has resulted in a famine and allegations of genocide in the western Darfur region.

In excess of 150,000 people have been killed in the fighting around the country, and approximately 12 million have left their homes in what the UN has termed the most extensive humanitarian crisis.

The takeover of el-Fasher strengthens the regional separation 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 capital, Khartoum, central and eastern areas along the coastal region.

The two warring rivals had been partners - coming to power together in a takeover in 2021 - but disagreed over an globally supported initiative to advance to civilian rule.

Sarah White
Sarah White

A digital strategist and tech writer with over a decade of experience in analyzing emerging technologies and their impact on modern business landscapes.