More than 60,000 Flee Sudanese City After Takeover by RSF Militia, UN Says
As stated by the United Nations refugee organization, more than 60,000 individuals have left the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, which was seized by the militia RSF recently.
Reports indicate multiple executions and atrocities as paramilitary forces took control of the city following an year-and-a-half blockade featuring food shortages and heavy bombardment.
The exodus of those running from the fighting towards the town of Tawila, approximately 80km (50 miles) west of el-Fasher, had grown in the past few days, as stated by UNHCR spokesperson.
Refugees were narrating horrendous tales of atrocities, including sexual violence, and the organization was having trouble to locate sufficient housing and nourishment for them.
Every child was experiencing nutritional deficiencies, she added.
Estimates suggest that over 150,000 residents are presently stranded in el-Fasher, which had been the military's remaining bastion in the western region of Darfur.
The RSF has disputed broad accusations that the killings in el-Fasher are based on ethnic factors and follow a practice of the Arab militia groups focusing on non-Arab populations.
Yet the paramilitary group has arrested one of its members, Abu Lulu, who has been charged with summary executions.
The organization released footage depicting the fighter's apprehension following verification that he was responsible for the killing of numerous unarmed men close to el-Fasher.
Video sharing service has verified that it has suspended the channel associated with Lulu. The status remains unclear whether he had controlled the profile in his name.
Sudan was plunged into a domestic fighting in April 2023 after a vicious power struggle erupted between its army and the Rapid Support Forces.
It has led to a famine and allegations of ethnic cleansing in the Darfur area.
Over 150,000 persons have died in the conflict across the country, and roughly 12 million have left their homes in what the UN has described as the world's largest humanitarian emergency.
The takeover of el-Fasher solidifies the territorial division in the country, with the RSF now in control of Sudan's west and significant areas of bordering Kordofan to the south, and the army controlling the main city, Khartoum, central and eastern areas along the Red Sea.
The opposing sides had been partners - coming to power together in a coup in 2021 - but fell out over an internationally backed proposal to advance to democratic governance.
