More than 60,000 Run from Sudan's City In the wake of Seizure by Rapid Support Forces Militia, United Nations Says

Displaced people fleeing conflict in Sudan
Many are trying to get to the town of Tawila but face intimidation, demands for money and abuse from fighters during their journey

Per the UN refugee agency, over 60,000 civilians have left the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, which was seized by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces during the weekend.

Reports indicate summary killings and atrocities as militia members took control of the city after an extended blockade characterized by starvation and intense shelling.

The exodus of those escaping the conflict towards the town of Tawila, roughly 80km (50 miles) west of el-Fasher, had increased in the last several days, as stated by UNHCR representative.

Survivors were describing horrendous accounts of violence, including sexual violence, and the humanitarian group was struggling to find enough accommodation and nourishment for them.

Each child was affected by undernourishment, she added.

It is estimated that over 150,000 residents are still unable to leave in el-Fasher, which had been the army's last stronghold in the western part of Darfur.

The Rapid Support Forces has rejected broad allegations that the executions in el-Fasher are ethnically motivated and resemble a practice of the Arab militia groups focusing on ethnic minorities.

Nevertheless the RSF has custodied one of its fighters, Abu Lulu, who has been charged with summary executions.

The group distributed footage revealing the militiaman's arrest following verification that he was behind the killing of several civilians close to el-Fasher.

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

Sudan was thrown into a internal conflict in April 2023 when a brutal contest for control erupted between its army and the RSF.

It has caused a food crisis and claims of mass killing in the western Sudan.

Over 150,000 individuals have been killed in the war throughout the country, and roughly 12 million have left their residences in what the United Nations has termed the most extensive humanitarian crisis.

The seizure of el-Fasher solidifies the territorial division in the country, with the RSF now in command of the western region and a large portion of bordering Kordofan to the southern area, and the military occupying the main city, Khartoum, central and eastern regions along the Red Sea.

The two warring rivals had been partners - coming to power together in a coup in 2021 - but fell out over an internationally backed proposal to move towards democratic governance.

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