More than 60,000 Run from Sudan's City Following Capture by Rapid Support Forces Paramilitary Group, United Nations States

Refugees fleeing conflict in the region
Numerous seek to reach the town of Tawila but experience harassment, extortion and mistreatment from fighters during their journey

Per the UNHCR, more than 60,000 civilians have escaped the city in Sudan of el-Fasher, which was taken over by the paramilitary RSF recently.

Accounts suggest multiple executions and atrocities as paramilitary forces took control of the city after an extended blockade characterized by food shortages and heavy bombardment.

The movement of those fleeing the conflict towards the town of Tawila, about 80km (50 miles) west of el-Fasher, had increased in the past few days, according to United Nations refugee agency representative.

Refugees were describing horrendous tales of abuses, including rape, and the agency was finding it difficult to secure adequate housing and food for them.

Each child was affected by malnutrition, she added.

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

The RSF has disputed extensive allegations that the deaths in el-Fasher are based on ethnic factors and follow a practice of the Arab fighters targeting non-Arab communities.

Nevertheless the RSF has detained one of its militiamen, Abu Lulu, who has been accused of on-the-spot executions.

The organization shared footage depicting the member's apprehension following confirmation that he was behind the killing of multiple unarmed men near el-Fasher.

Social media platform has acknowledged that it has banned the account connected to Lulu. The status remains unclear whether he had managed the account in his name.

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

The conflict has caused a famine and allegations of genocide in the western Darfur region.

In excess of 150,000 people have been killed in the conflict across the country, and roughly 12 million have fled their residences in what the UN has termed the world's largest humanitarian emergency.

The capture of el-Fasher strengthens the territorial division in the country, with the Rapid Support Forces now in control of western Sudan and a large portion of neighbouring Kordofan to the southern area, and the military holding the main city, Khartoum, central and eastern regions along the coastal region.

The two warring rivals had been allies - gaining control together in a takeover in 2021 - but fell out over an globally supported initiative to advance to democratic governance.

Patricia Campbell
Patricia Campbell

A wellness coach and productivity expert, Elara shares insights on integrating mindfulness into busy schedules.