More than 60,000 Run from Sudanese City Following Capture by RSF Militia, UN Says
As stated by the United Nations refugee organization, in excess of 60,000 people have escaped the city in Sudan of el-Fasher, which was seized by the militia Rapid Support Forces during the weekend.
Reports indicate mass executions and human rights violations as RSF fighters entered the city following an 18-month blockade marked by food shortages and heavy bombardment.
The exodus of those fleeing the violence towards the town of Tawila, approximately 80km (50 miles) to the west of el-Fasher, had increased in the past few days, according to United Nations refugee agency spokesperson.
They were describing terrible tales of violence, such as sexual violence, and the humanitarian group was having trouble to secure adequate shelter and food for them.
All children was experiencing undernourishment, she added.
Estimates suggest that more than 150,000 individuals are currently stranded in el-Fasher, which had been the army's final fortress in the western part of Darfur.
The RSF has denied widespread allegations that the deaths in el-Fasher are based on ethnic factors and resemble a pattern of the Arab militia groups targeting non-Arab populations.
However the RSF has arrested one of its fighters, Abu Lulu, who has been charged with extrajudicial killings.
The force shared video depicting the fighter's arrest after confirmation that he was responsible for the killing of several non-combatants in the vicinity of el-Fasher.
Digital platform has verified that it has banned the account associated with Lulu. Uncertainty exists whether he had managed the profile in his identity.
Sudan was entered a domestic fighting in April 2023 after a vicious power struggle broke out between its army and the Rapid Support Forces.
It has led to a food crisis and allegations of genocide in the western Sudan.
In excess of 150,000 individuals have lost their lives in the war around the country, and approximately 12 million have left their residences in what the UN has called the biggest global humanitarian crisis.
The seizure of el-Fasher strengthens the geographic split in the country, with the RSF now in control of the western region and much of bordering Kordofan to the south, and the military occupying the capital, Khartoum, the center and east along the Red Sea.
The opposing sides had been partners - gaining control together in a coup in 2021 - but disagreed over an globally supported plan to transition to civilian rule.
