More than 60,000 Flee Sudanese City In the wake of Seizure by Rapid Support Forces Militia, United Nations Reports

Refugees fleeing conflict in the region
Numerous are trying to reach the town of Tawila but face harassment, demands for money and abuse from militiamen along the way

Per the United Nations refugee organization, more than 60,000 individuals have left the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, which was seized by the militia Rapid Support Forces during the weekend.

Reports indicate summary killings and crimes against humanity as militia members stormed the city after an extended blockade featuring famine and heavy bombardment.

The flow of those fleeing the violence towards the community of Tawila, approximately 80km (50 miles) west of el-Fasher, had accelerated in the last several days, as stated by United Nations refugee agency spokesperson.

Survivors were narrating horrendous stories of abuses, including rape, and the agency was finding it difficult to find sufficient housing and food for them.

Each child was experiencing undernourishment, she commented.

Calculations indicate that more than 150,000 people are currently unable to leave in el-Fasher, which had been the army's last bastion in the western part of Darfur.

The RSF has disputed widespread claims that the killings in el-Fasher are driven by ethnicity and mirror a practice of the Arab paramilitaries targeting non-Arab populations.

However the paramilitary group has arrested one of its fighters, Abu Lulu, who has been implicated in on-the-spot executions.

The force shared footage revealing the militiaman's apprehension subsequent to confirmation that he was responsible for the killing of numerous non-combatants near el-Fasher.

Video sharing service has verified that it has removed the profile associated with Lulu. Uncertainty exists whether he had managed the profile in his name.

Sudan was entered a civil war in April 2023 when a intense power struggle broke out between its army and the RSF.

This has led to a food crisis and accusations of ethnic cleansing in the western Sudan.

Over 150,000 persons have lost their lives in the conflict around the country, and roughly 12 million have fled their residences in what the United Nations has called the most extensive humanitarian crisis.

The capture of el-Fasher strengthens the territorial division in the country, with the Rapid Support Forces now in command of Sudan's west and a large portion of neighbouring Kordofan to the southern area, and the military occupying the capital, Khartoum, central and eastern areas along the Red Sea.

The two warring rivals had been collaborators - taking over together in a takeover in 2021 - but split over an internationally backed initiative to advance to democratic governance.

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