More than 60,000 Escape Sudan's City After Seizure by RSF Paramilitary Group, United Nations States

Refugees fleeing violence in the region
Many are attempting to reach the town of Tawila but encounter intimidation, demands for money and abuse from fighters during their journey

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

Reports indicate summary killings and atrocities as RSF fighters stormed the city following an year-and-a-half encirclement marked by food shortages and intense shelling.

The exodus of those fleeing the violence towards the community of Tawila, about 80km (50 miles) to the west of el-Fasher, had accelerated in the recent days, as stated by United Nations refugee agency representative.

They were telling shocking stories of abuses, such as sexual violence, and the agency was having trouble to secure sufficient housing and nourishment for them.

Every child was experiencing malnutrition, she commented.

It is estimated that over 150,000 residents are presently stranded in el-Fasher, which had been the army's last bastion in the western part of Darfur.

The RSF has denied extensive accusations that the killings in el-Fasher are based on ethnic factors and follow a practice of the Arab militia groups attacking ethnic minorities.

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

The force released video depicting the fighter's arrest following identification that he was involved in the death of several non-combatants near el-Fasher.

Digital platform has confirmed that it has removed the channel linked to Lulu. It is not clear whether he had operated the profile in his identity.

Sudan was plunged into a domestic fighting in April 2023 after a intense struggle for power began between its army and the Rapid Support Forces.

It has resulted in a famine and allegations of ethnic cleansing in the Darfur area.

More than 150,000 persons have lost their lives in the conflict throughout the country, and about 12 million have abandoned their homes in what the UN has described as the most extensive humanitarian crisis.

The capture of el-Fasher strengthens the territorial division in the country, with the Rapid Support Forces now in dominance of the western region and significant areas of neighbouring Kordofan to the southern area, and the army holding the capital, Khartoum, central and eastern areas along the Red Sea.

The opposing sides had been allies - gaining control together in a takeover in 2021 - but disagreed over an foreign-endorsed proposal to transition to civilian rule.

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