At least 36,000 Sudanese have escaped after fall of El Fasher to RSF, reports UN agency

In excess of 36,000 civilians have escaped Sudan's Kordofan region eastern part of Darfur starting Saturday, as reported by the UN's migration agency.

The strategic central area separating the country's Darfur areas and the Khartoum-Riverine area has in recent weeks become the newest conflict zone in the two-year civil war between the Sudanese military forces and the paramilitary forces.

Significant Evacuation Figures

An approximated 36,825 people fled five localities in North Kordofan region between 26 October and 31 October, per data from the International Organization for Migration.

The people, mainly traveling by foot, traveled to Tawila, a town western side of El Fasher that is currently sheltering in excess of 652,000 displaced people.

Heightened Troop Concentration

Citizens of North Kordofan on Monday noted a significant increase in both RSF and army concentration across towns and villages throughout the state.

Both military groups are vying for control of El Obeid, the North Kordofan regional capital and a critical supply and command base that joins Darfur to Khartoum.

"Today, all our forces have converged on the Bara front here," commented an RSF member in a recently distributed video message.

Regional Residents Report Security Concerns

A local inhabitant of Um Smeima, located west of El Obeid, stated that the number of RSF vehicles had risen considerably since the group's takeover of El Fasher.

"We ceased visiting our farms, fearing clashes," the individual commented.

Another resident, who requested anonymity for protection purposes, also reported that "there has been a significant rise in army vehicles and weapons west and south of El Obeid" over the past two weeks.

World Warnings and Appeals

A senior UN official sounded warnings last week about "extensive crimes" and "ethnically motivated reprisals" by RSF in Bara.

The official cautioned about patterns comparable to patterns in Darfur, where RSF militants have been accused of mass killings, sexual violence and abductions against specific ethnic communities.

The religious leader on Sunday urged an prompt truce and the opening of relief routes in Sudan, saying that attacks on civilians and hindrances to humanitarian aid "are producing unacceptable suffering."

Sudan's official envoy to Egypt on Sunday alleged RSF of carrying out war crimes in El Fasher and declared that the Sudanese government would not discuss with the militia organization.

The diplomat further urged the international community to classify the group as a terrorist entity.

Victoria Curtis
Victoria Curtis

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