More than 60,000 Run from Sudan's City In the wake of Capture by Rapid Support Forces Militia, United Nations Says
As stated by the United Nations refugee organization, over 60,000 people have left the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, which was seized by the militia RSF during the weekend.
Accounts suggest multiple executions and crimes against humanity as RSF fighters stormed the city after an 18-month siege featuring starvation and intense shelling.
The exodus of those fleeing the violence towards the community of Tawila, roughly 80km (50 miles) to the west of el-Fasher, had grown in the recent days, as stated by United Nations refugee agency representative.
Survivors were describing shocking stories of violence, featuring rape, and the humanitarian group was struggling to locate sufficient accommodation and nourishment for them.
All children was suffering from undernourishment, she added.
Calculations indicate that more than 150,000 people are still trapped in el-Fasher, which had been the military's remaining fortress in the western part of Darfur.
The Rapid Support Forces has disputed widespread allegations that the executions in el-Fasher are driven by ethnicity and follow a practice of the Arab paramilitaries attacking non-Arab populations.
Nevertheless the RSF has arrested one of its members, Abu Lulu, who has been implicated in summary executions.
The force released footage revealing the member's detention following verification that he was behind the execution of numerous unarmed men close to el-Fasher.
Video sharing service has acknowledged that it has suspended the profile linked to Lulu. The status remains unclear whether he had managed the profile in his identity.
Sudan was thrown into a domestic fighting in April 2023 following a intense struggle for power began between its army and the Rapid Support Forces.
The conflict has led to a food crisis and allegations of genocide in the western Sudan.
Over 150,000 individuals have lost their lives in the conflict across the country, and approximately 12 million have left their dwellings in what the United Nations has called the most extensive humanitarian disaster.
The seizure of el-Fasher strengthens the geographic split in the country, with the Rapid Support Forces now in control of the western region and much of adjacent Kordofan to the southern area, and the military holding the capital, Khartoum, central and eastern areas along the Red Sea.
The two warring rivals had been allies - coming to power together in a takeover in 2021 - but fell out over an internationally backed plan to transition to civilian rule.