At least 36,000 Sudanese citizens have escaped after capture of El Fasher to Rapid Support Forces, reports UN agency

More than 36,000 civilians have escaped Sudan's Kordofan region eastern part of Darfur since Saturday, as stated by the UN's immigration body.

The important central zone connecting the country's Darfur provinces and the Khartoum-Riverine area has during recent weeks become the newest conflict zone in the 24-month civil conflict between the Sudanese armed forces and the militia group.

Significant Exodus Numbers

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

The people, mainly traveling by foot, traveled to Tawila, a town western side of El Fasher that is currently accommodating more than 652,000 refugees.

Increased Military Presence

Local inhabitants of North Kordofan on Monday noted a substantial rise in both RSF and army presence across communities throughout the state.

Both forces are contesting control of El Obeid, the North Kordofan regional capital and a critical supply and command center that connects Darfur to Khartoum.

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

Area Inhabitants Describe Security Concerns

A local inhabitant of Um Smeima, located west of El Obeid, reported that the quantity of RSF vehicles had increased considerably since the group's capture of El Fasher.

"We stopped going to our farms, afraid of confrontations," the local commented.

Another civilian, who asked to remain unnamed for safety concerns, also reported that "there has been a big increase in army vehicles and weapons west and south of El Obeid" over the last fourteen days.

International Alarms and Requests

A senior UN official raised the alarm last week about "large-scale atrocities" and "ethnically motivated reprisals" by RSF in Bara.

The diplomat cautioned about patterns comparable to patterns in Darfur, where RSF fighters have been charged with mass killings, sexual violence and abductions against specific ethnic communities.

The church leader on Sunday urged an quick cessation of hostilities and the creation of relief routes in Sudan, stating that attacks on civilians and hindrances to humanitarian aid "are producing unacceptable suffering."

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

The diplomat further called on the global community to classify the group as a terrorist entity.

Laurie Sanchez
Laurie Sanchez

A gemologist with over 15 years of experience in diamond valuation and market analysis, passionate about educating investors and enthusiasts.