More than 60,000 Escape Sudanese City Following Seizure by RSF Militia, UN States
Per the United Nations refugee organization, in excess of 60,000 people have left the city in Sudan of el-Fasher, which was captured by the militia RSF over the weekend.
Reports indicate summary killings and crimes against humanity as militia members entered the city following an 18-month encirclement featuring food shortages and heavy bombardment.
The exodus of those escaping the fighting towards the town of Tawila, approximately 80km (50 miles) to the west of el-Fasher, had grown in the past few days, as stated by UNHCR spokesperson.
Refugees were telling horrendous accounts of atrocities, including rape, and the agency was finding it difficult to find enough shelter and supplies for them.
All children was experiencing undernourishment, she added.
It is estimated that in excess of 150,000 residents are presently trapped in el-Fasher, which had been the military's last stronghold in the western region of Darfur.
The Rapid Support Forces has denied widespread allegations that the deaths in el-Fasher are driven by ethnicity and follow a pattern of the Arab militia groups focusing on non-Arab communities.
Nevertheless the RSF has custodied one of its fighters, Abu Lulu, who has been charged with summary executions.
The organization shared recordings revealing the militiaman's apprehension after verification that he was responsible for the execution of numerous civilians near el-Fasher.
Digital platform has verified that it has suspended the channel connected to Lulu. The status remains unclear whether he had operated the account in his identity.
Sudan was entered a domestic fighting in April 2023 when a vicious contest for control began between its military and the RSF.
The conflict has led to a starvation emergency and allegations of genocide in the western Sudan.
Over 150,000 individuals have lost their lives in the fighting around the country, and approximately 12 million have left their residences in what the UN has described as the most extensive humanitarian crisis.
The takeover of el-Fasher solidifies the regional separation in the country, with the RSF now in control of western Sudan and a large portion of neighbouring Kordofan to the south, and the military occupying the capital, Khartoum, the center and east along the coastal region.
The two warring rivals had been partners - coming to power together in a takeover in 2021 - but disagreed over an internationally backed plan to advance to democratic governance.