More than 36,000 Sudanese have escaped after fall of El Fasher to Rapid Support Forces, reports UN agency

Over 36,000 civilians have evacuated from Sudan's Kordofan territory east of Darfur since Saturday, as stated by the UN's immigration body.

The key central region connecting the country's Darfur areas and the capital region has during recent weeks become the latest battleground in the two-year civil war between the Sudanese military forces and the militia group.

Significant Exodus Figures

An estimated 36,825 people evacuated from five localities in North Kordofan province between 26 October and 31 October, according to the International Organization for Migration.

The people, most on foot, headed to Tawila, a town to the west of El Fasher that is currently housing in excess of 652,000 displaced people.

Heightened Forces Deployment

Local inhabitants of North Kordofan on Monday described a significant increase in both RSF and army deployment across towns and villages throughout the state.

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

"Today, all our forces have assembled at the Bara front here," stated an RSF member in a recently circulated video declaration.

Regional Citizens Describe Protection Issues

A area citizen of Um Smeima, located west of El Obeid, described that the quantity of RSF vehicles had increased significantly since the group's capture of El Fasher.

"We ceased visiting our farms, afraid of fighting," the local commented.

Another civilian, who requested anonymity for protection purposes, also confirmed that "there has been a significant rise in army vehicles and weapons west and south of El Obeid" over the previous fortnight.

International Alarms and Calls

A senior UN official expressed concerns last week about "widespread abuses" and "race-driven revenge attacks" by RSF in Bara.

The diplomat warned of patterns similar to those in Darfur, where RSF militants have been accused of mass killings, sexual violence and abductions against specific ethnic communities.

The spiritual head on Sunday called for an quick cessation of hostilities and the opening of aid passageways in Sudan, stating that attacks on civilians and obstacles to humanitarian aid "are causing unacceptable suffering."

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

The representative further encouraged the international community to categorize the group as a terrorist organisation.

John Stewart
John Stewart

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