At least 36,000 Sudanese citizens have fled since capture of El Fasher to Rapid Support Forces, says UN agency

Over 36,000 individuals have fled Sudan's Kordofan territory east of Darfur starting Saturday, as reported by the UN's migration organization.

The important central zone separating the country's Darfur areas and the Khartoum-Riverine area has over recent weeks become the recent fighting area in the two-year civil war between the Sudanese armed forces and the paramilitary forces.

Massive Evacuation Statistics

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

The individuals, mainly traveling by foot, moved toward Tawila, a town to the west of El Fasher that is currently sheltering over 652,000 refugees.

Increased Forces Deployment

Residents of North Kordofan on Monday reported a significant increase in both RSF and army presence across communities throughout the state.

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

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

Local Residents Report Safety Fears

A local inhabitant of Um Smeima, located west of El Obeid, described that the number of RSF vehicles had grown significantly since the group's seizure of El Fasher.

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

Another inhabitant, who requested anonymity for security reasons, also reported that "there has been a significant rise in army vehicles and weapons west and south of El Obeid" over the last fourteen days.

Global Concerns and Appeals

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

The official cautioned about patterns echoing those in Darfur, where RSF militants have been accused of mass killings, sexual violence and abductions against certain racial groups.

The church leader on Sunday urged an immediate ceasefire and the opening of aid passageways in Sudan, saying that attacks on civilians and hindrances to humanitarian aid "are causing unacceptable suffering."

Sudan's ambassador to Egypt on Sunday alleged RSF of perpetrating war crimes in El Fasher and stated that the Sudanese government would not discuss with the armed faction.

The ambassador further encouraged the world nations to categorize the group as a terrorist organisation.

Benjamin Floyd
Benjamin Floyd

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