In excess of 60,000 Escape Sudanese City Following Capture by Rapid Support Forces Militia, United Nations States

Refugees escaping conflict in Sudan
Many are trying to get to the settlement of Tawila but experience harassment, extortion and abuse from militiamen along the way

As stated by the UNHCR, in excess of 60,000 people have escaped the city in Sudan of el-Fasher, which was captured by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces over the weekend.

There have been summary killings and human rights violations as paramilitary forces stormed the city following an 18-month encirclement characterized by food shortages and intense shelling.

The exodus of those fleeing the fighting towards the community of Tawila, roughly 80km (50 miles) to the west of el-Fasher, had grown in the recent days, according to UNHCR representative.

Refugees were telling shocking tales of atrocities, including rape, and the humanitarian group was struggling to secure enough shelter and supplies for them.

Each child was affected by malnutrition, she noted.

Estimates suggest 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 part of Darfur.

The Rapid Support Forces has denied broad allegations that the deaths in el-Fasher are based on ethnic factors and mirror a trend of the Arab fighters targeting non-Arab communities.

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

The force released footage revealing the fighter's detention after verification that he was behind the execution of multiple civilians in the vicinity of el-Fasher.

Social media platform has verified that it has suspended the channel linked to Lulu. The status remains unclear whether he had controlled the account in his identity.

Sudan was thrown into a domestic fighting in April 2023 following a intense power struggle erupted between its military and the Rapid Support Forces.

It has resulted in a famine and accusations of mass killing in the western Darfur region.

In excess of 150,000 people have been killed in the fighting across the country, and about 12 million have fled their dwellings in what the UN has described as the biggest global humanitarian emergency.

The seizure of el-Fasher solidifies the territorial division in the country, with the RSF now in command of western Sudan and a large portion of adjacent Kordofan to the southern area, and the military controlling the main city, Khartoum, central and eastern areas along the coastal region.

The competing factions had been collaborators - taking over together in a seizure of power in 2021 - but fell out over an globally supported plan to transition to civilian leadership.

Ms. Lori Walters PhD
Ms. Lori Walters PhD

A mental health advocate and writer passionate about sharing evidence-based strategies for emotional wellness and resilience.