More than 60,000 people have fled the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, captured by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over the weekend, according to the UN refugee agency.
Reports of mass executions and crimes against humanity have emerged as RSF fighters stormed the city following an 18-month siege marked by starvation and heavy bombardment.
The flow of people fleeing towards Tawila, located about 80 km (50 miles) west of el-Fasher, has increased recently, with witnesses sharing horrific accounts of atrocities, including rape. The UNHCR has struggled to provide enough shelter and food for the displaced.
Every child among the refugees is reportedly suffering from malnutrition, and an estimated 150,000 people remain trapped in el-Fasher, which had been the army's last stronghold in western Darfur.
The RSF has denied allegations of ethnically motivated killings, although evidence suggests a pattern of Arab paramilitaries targeting non-Arab populations.
In an effort to address allegations, the RSF has detained one of its militiamen, Abu Lulu, accused of summary executions. The group released footage of his arrest after he was identified as responsible for multiple murders.
The civil war in Sudan began in April 2023, triggered by a power struggle between the army and RSF, leading to widespread famine and humanitarian disasters. More than 150,000 people are believed to have died in the conflict, with about 12 million forced to flee their homes, marking it the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
The takeover of el-Fasher reinforces the geographic divide, with the RSF controlling western Sudan and much of Kordofan, while the army governs the capital, Khartoum, and eastern regions along the Red Sea.
Conflict had previously erupted following a fall-out between the former allies over a plan for transitioning to civilian rule.
