More than 60,000 Run from Sudanese City After Takeover by RSF Militia, UN States

Refugees fleeing violence in Sudan
Many are attempting to reach the town of Tawila but face intimidation, demands for money and mistreatment from militiamen along the way

As stated by the UNHCR, over 60,000 people have left the city in Sudan of el-Fasher, which was seized by the militia Rapid Support Forces over the weekend.

Accounts suggest multiple executions and atrocities as paramilitary forces took control of the city after an year-and-a-half blockade marked by famine and heavy bombardment.

The exodus of those fleeing the conflict towards the community of Tawila, approximately 80km (50 miles) west of el-Fasher, had accelerated in the last several days, as stated by United Nations refugee agency spokesperson.

Refugees were telling terrible accounts of abuses, featuring rape, and the agency was having trouble to locate adequate housing and food for them.

Each child was experiencing undernourishment, she added.

Calculations indicate that in excess of 150,000 individuals are presently unable to leave in el-Fasher, which had been the military's remaining fortress in the western region of Darfur.

The Rapid Support Forces has denied broad claims that the killings in el-Fasher are driven by ethnicity and mirror a practice of the Arab militia groups attacking ethnic minorities.

Nevertheless the paramilitary group has arrested one of its members, Abu Lulu, who has been implicated in on-the-spot executions.

The force released video showing the militiaman's detention following confirmation that he was involved in the killing of multiple civilians in the vicinity of el-Fasher.

Video sharing service has acknowledged that it has banned the profile associated with Lulu. It is not clear whether he had controlled the account in his identity.

Sudan was plunged into a domestic fighting in April 2023 when a intense contest for control erupted between its military and the Rapid Support Forces.

It has caused a food crisis and accusations of ethnic cleansing in the western Darfur region.

More than 150,000 people have lost their lives in the war throughout the country, and about 12 million have left their homes in what the United Nations has called the most extensive humanitarian emergency.

The capture of el-Fasher reinforces the territorial division in the country, with the Rapid Support Forces now in command of the western region and significant areas of neighbouring Kordofan to the south, and the army controlling the capital, Khartoum, the center and east along the coastal region.

The competing factions had been partners - coming to power together in a takeover in 2021 - but fell out over an globally supported initiative to advance to civilian rule.

Angela Adams
Angela Adams

Lena is a seasoned gaming analyst with a passion for exploring betting strategies and sharing insights to help players succeed.

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