Over 60,000 Escape Sudan's City Following Seizure by Rapid Support Forces Militia, United Nations States
Per the UNHCR, in excess of 60,000 people have escaped the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, which was seized by the paramilitary RSF over the weekend.
Reports indicate multiple executions and crimes against humanity as RSF fighters took control of the city following an 18-month encirclement marked by famine and intense shelling.
The movement of those running from the violence towards the town of Tawila, about 80km (50 miles) west of el-Fasher, had accelerated in the past few days, as stated by United Nations refugee agency spokesperson.
They were narrating terrible stories of violence, such as sexual violence, and the agency was having trouble to locate enough shelter and food for them.
Each child was suffering from undernourishment, she added.
Estimates suggest that more than 150,000 residents are currently trapped in el-Fasher, which had been the military's last bastion in the western region of Darfur.
The Rapid Support Forces has disputed widespread claims that the killings in el-Fasher are based on ethnic factors and mirror a trend of the Arab fighters focusing on non-Arab populations.
Yet the paramilitary group has arrested one of its fighters, Abu Lulu, who has been charged with summary executions.
The organization shared recordings depicting the fighter's detention subsequent to confirmation that he was involved in the death of numerous non-combatants close to el-Fasher.
Video sharing service has confirmed that it has suspended the account associated with Lulu. It is not clear whether he had controlled the account in his identity.
Sudan was entered a domestic fighting in April 2023 after a brutal contest for control began between its military and the Rapid Support Forces.
It has resulted in a starvation emergency and accusations of genocide in the western Sudan.
Over 150,000 individuals have died in the fighting across the country, and roughly 12 million have abandoned their homes in what the UN has called the biggest global humanitarian emergency.
The takeover of el-Fasher strengthens the territorial division in the country, with the RSF now in control of the western region and significant areas of neighbouring Kordofan to the southern area, and the army holding the main city, Khartoum, central and eastern regions along the Red Sea.
The opposing sides had been partners - coming to power together in a seizure of power in 2021 - but split over an globally supported proposal to transition to civilian leadership.