In excess of 60,000 Run from Sudan's City In the wake of Seizure by Rapid Support Forces Militia, UN States

Refugees fleeing conflict in Sudan
Numerous are trying to get to the town of Tawila but face harassment, extortion and mistreatment from armed men during their journey

As stated by the UN refugee agency, in excess of 60,000 people have fled the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, which was seized by the militia RSF recently.

There have been summary killings and crimes against humanity as RSF fighters entered the city after an extended siege characterized by famine and heavy bombardment.

The exodus of those fleeing the fighting towards the community of Tawila, roughly 80km (50 miles) west of el-Fasher, had accelerated in the past few days, per UNHCR spokesperson.

Survivors were narrating terrible tales of atrocities, featuring sexual violence, and the agency was struggling to secure sufficient shelter and food for them.

All children was experiencing malnutrition, she added.

Calculations indicate that over 150,000 individuals are presently trapped in el-Fasher, which had been the army's last stronghold in the western part of Darfur.

The Rapid Support Forces has disputed widespread claims that the killings in el-Fasher are ethnically motivated and resemble a trend of the Arab paramilitaries focusing on ethnic minorities.

Nevertheless the paramilitary group has custodied one of its members, Abu Lulu, who has been charged with summary executions.

The organization distributed recordings depicting the fighter's apprehension following identification that he was involved in the execution of numerous non-combatants near el-Fasher.

Digital platform has acknowledged that it has banned the account associated with Lulu. The status remains unclear whether he had operated the profile in his name.

Sudan was entered a domestic fighting in April 2023 after a vicious struggle for power erupted between its military and the Rapid Support Forces.

This has resulted in a famine and allegations of mass killing in the Darfur area.

In excess of 150,000 people have been killed in the war around the country, and roughly 12 million have fled their homes in what the United Nations has termed the biggest global humanitarian emergency.

The takeover of el-Fasher reinforces the regional separation in the country, with the RSF now in dominance of Sudan's west and significant areas of adjacent Kordofan to the south, and the army controlling the main city, Khartoum, central and eastern areas along the Red Sea.

The two warring rivals had been collaborators - coming to power together in a seizure of power in 2021 - but fell out over an foreign-endorsed initiative to advance to civilian leadership.

Kevin Carroll
Kevin Carroll

Lena is a financial analyst specializing in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets, with over 8 years of trading experience.