More than 60,000 Flee Sudanese City In the wake of Takeover by RSF Militia, UN Reports

Refugees fleeing conflict in Sudan
Many seek to get to the settlement of Tawila but encounter harassment, demands for money and mistreatment from fighters along the way

Per the United Nations refugee organization, more than 60,000 civilians have left the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, which was taken over by the paramilitary RSF recently.

There have been summary killings and crimes against humanity as militia members stormed the city after an year-and-a-half siege marked by food shortages and sustained attacks.

The movement of those fleeing the violence towards the community of Tawila, about 80km (50 miles) to the west of el-Fasher, had grown in the past few days, per United Nations refugee agency spokesperson.

Refugees were narrating shocking accounts of violence, such as sexual violence, and the agency was having trouble to find sufficient shelter and supplies for them.

All children was affected by malnutrition, she commented.

It is estimated that in excess of 150,000 residents are currently trapped in el-Fasher, which had been the army's final fortress in the western part of Darfur.

The RSF has denied extensive claims that the executions in el-Fasher are ethnically motivated and mirror a practice of the Arab militia groups targeting ethnic minorities.

Yet the paramilitary group has detained one of its militiamen, Abu Lulu, who has been implicated in summary executions.

The organization released footage revealing the militiaman's detention following verification that he was behind the execution of numerous civilians near el-Fasher.

Digital platform has acknowledged that it has suspended the channel connected to Lulu. The status remains unclear whether he had managed the account in his identity.

Sudan was plunged into a internal conflict in April 2023 following a brutal contest for control began between its military and the RSF.

The conflict has caused a famine and allegations of genocide in the Darfur area.

Over 150,000 individuals have lost their lives in the fighting throughout the country, and approximately 12 million have left their residences in what the UN has termed the most extensive humanitarian emergency.

The takeover of el-Fasher reinforces the geographic split in the country, with the Rapid Support Forces now in control of Sudan's west and much of adjacent Kordofan to the south, and the military controlling the capital, Khartoum, the center and east along the coastal region.

The two warring rivals had been allies - taking over together in a coup in 2021 - but split over an internationally backed plan to transition to civilian leadership.

Derek Mccann
Derek Mccann

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in casino industry trends and player behavior.