More than 60,000 people have exited the Sudanese city of el-Fasher after its takeover by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to the UN refugee agency. Reports highlight a surge in violence, with allegations of mass executions and other grave human rights violations as the RSF launched its attack following an 18-month siege that caused widespread starvation.
The influx of refugees towards Tawila, around 80 km to the west, has seen a steep increase, presenting significant challenges for humanitarian agencies trying to provide shelter and food. The distressing accounts from fleeing residents include heinous acts such as rape, with every child reportedly suffering from malnutrition.
Current estimates suggest that over 150,000 individuals remain trapped in el-Fasher, the last military stronghold in the Darfur region. The RSF publicly refutes claims regarding ethnic motivation behind the killings, yet a report details how one of its militia members, identified as Abu Lulu, was filmed executing several unarmed individuals, leading to his subsequent detention.
The ongoing conflict, which escalated into a civil war in April 2023 between military and RSF forces, has reportedly resulted in over 150,000 deaths and displaced around 12 million individuals, marking it as the world's largest humanitarian crisis. The RSF now controls much of western Sudan and parts of Kordofan, while the army retains authority over the capital and eastern regions. Their power struggle transformation from allies in a 2021 coup to adversaries has further fragmented Sudan.
