More than 36,000 Sudanese have fled after fall of El Fasher to RSF, reports UN agency

In excess of 36,000 people have escaped Sudan's Kordofan area east of Darfur since Saturday, as stated by the UN's migration agency.

The important central zone between the country's Darfur regions and the Khartoum-Riverine area has in recent weeks become the latest battleground in the two-year civil war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary group.

Substantial Evacuation Figures

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

The individuals, mainly traveling by foot, moved toward Tawila, a town west of El Fasher that is currently sheltering more than 652,000 evacuated individuals.

Heightened Forces Deployment

Citizens of North Kordofan on Monday described a substantial rise in both RSF and army deployment across communities throughout the state.

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

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

Local Citizens Describe Safety Fears

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

"We ceased visiting our farms, fearing fighting," the individual explained.

Another civilian, who sought confidentiality for protection purposes, also indicated that "there has been a big increase in army vehicles and weapons west and south of El Obeid" over the last fourteen days.

International Concerns and Requests

A senior UN official sounded warnings 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 combatants have been alleged to commit mass killings, sexual violence and abductions against non-Arab ethnic groups.

The religious leader on Sunday called for an immediate ceasefire and the creation of relief routes in Sudan, stating that attacks on civilians and obstacles to humanitarian aid "are creating 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 engage with the militia organization.

The ambassador further called on the international community to classify the group as a terrorist organisation.

Vanessa Wagner
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