🔗 Share this article

As stated by the UNHCR, more than 60,000 individuals have fled the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, which was captured by the militia Rapid Support Forces over the weekend.

Reports indicate summary killings and human rights violations as paramilitary forces took control of the city following an 18-month blockade characterized by famine and intense shelling.

The exodus of those fleeing the violence towards the community of Tawila, roughly 80km (50 miles) to the west of el-Fasher, had increased in the recent days, per United Nations refugee agency representative.

Refugees were describing shocking accounts of violence, such as sexual violence, and the organization was struggling to find enough accommodation and food for them.

Each child was affected by undernourishment, she commented.

Estimates suggest that over 150,000 people are presently trapped in el-Fasher, which had been the army's last bastion in the western part of Darfur.

The Rapid Support Forces has denied extensive claims that the killings in el-Fasher are based on ethnic factors and follow a practice of the Arab fighters targeting non-Arab communities.

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

The group shared recordings revealing the militiaman's apprehension after verification that he was involved in the killing of several non-combatants close to el-Fasher.

Video sharing service has confirmed that it has removed the profile linked to Lulu. Uncertainty exists whether he had managed the profile in his identity.

Sudan was plunged into a civil war in April 2023 when a vicious power struggle erupted between its military and the Rapid Support Forces.

The conflict has resulted in a starvation emergency and claims of mass killing in the western Darfur region.

In excess of 150,000 individuals have died in the conflict across the country, and about 12 million have fled their homes in what the United Nations has termed the world's largest humanitarian emergency.

The takeover of el-Fasher strengthens the geographic split in the country, with the RSF now in command of western Sudan and a large portion of adjacent Kordofan to the south, and the military occupying the capital, Khartoum, central and eastern areas along the Red Sea.

The competing factions had been collaborators - coming to power together in a seizure of power in 2021 - but split over an foreign-endorsed proposal to move towards civilian leadership.