🔗 Share this article Over 60,000 Flee Sudanese City After Takeover by Rapid Support Forces Paramilitary Group, UN Says Many are attempting to get to the settlement of Tawila but encounter intimidation, extortion and mistreatment from fighters during their journey According to the United Nations refugee organization, more than 60,000 people have left the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, which was taken over by the paramilitary RSF recently. Accounts suggest summary killings and human rights violations as RSF fighters took control of the city after an extended encirclement featuring famine and heavy bombardment. The exodus of those running from the fighting towards the town of Tawila, approximately 80km (50 miles) to the west of el-Fasher, had accelerated in the last several days, per United Nations refugee agency spokesperson. Refugees were narrating shocking stories of atrocities, including sexual violence, and the organization was struggling to secure enough accommodation and nourishment for them. Every child was affected by nutritional deficiencies, she added. It is estimated that in excess of 150,000 residents are still stranded in el-Fasher, which had been the military's last fortress in the western region of Darfur. The RSF has rejected widespread accusations that the executions in el-Fasher are based on ethnic factors and resemble a trend of the Arab paramilitaries focusing on non-Arab communities. However the RSF has detained one of its militiamen, Abu Lulu, who has been charged with extrajudicial killings. The force shared recordings revealing the militiaman's detention following verification that he was involved in the execution of several non-combatants close to el-Fasher. Social media platform has confirmed that it has suspended the channel connected to Lulu. The status remains unclear whether he had operated the account in his identity. Sudan was entered a internal conflict in April 2023 following a intense power struggle began between its army and the Rapid Support Forces. The conflict has resulted in a starvation emergency and allegations of mass killing in the western Darfur region. In excess of 150,000 individuals have died in the war around the country, and roughly 12 million have abandoned their dwellings in what the UN has termed the biggest global humanitarian disaster. The capture of el-Fasher reinforces the geographic split in the country, with the RSF now in command of Sudan's west and much of bordering Kordofan to the southern area, and the army holding the capital, Khartoum, the center and east along the Red Sea. The two warring rivals had been partners - gaining control together in a coup in 2021 - but split over an internationally backed proposal to move towards civilian leadership.