More than 36,000 Sudanese people have evacuated since capture of El Fasher to paramilitary group, reports UN agency

In excess of 36,000 civilians have fled Sudan's Kordofan region eastern sector of Darfur since Saturday, according to the UN's migration agency.

The strategic central area connecting the country's Darfur provinces and the Khartoum-Riverine region has over recent weeks become the newest conflict zone in the extended civil war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary group.

Massive Evacuation Numbers

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

The people, primarily walking, moved toward Tawila, a town western side of El Fasher that is currently sheltering over 652,000 refugees.

Increased Troop Concentration

Residents of North Kordofan on Monday described a substantial rise in both RSF and army presence across towns and villages throughout the state.

Both military groups are contesting control of El Obeid, the North Kordofan state capital and a key logistics and command base that connects Darfur to Khartoum.

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

Local Inhabitants Describe Safety Fears

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

"We stopped going to our farms, fearing fighting," the individual explained.

Another resident, who asked to remain unnamed for safety concerns, also indicated that "there has been a substantial growth in army vehicles and weapons west and south of El Obeid" over the past two weeks.

World Concerns and Requests

A senior UN official sounded warnings last week about "widespread abuses" and "ethnic-based retaliations" by RSF in Bara.

The diplomat alerted to patterns echoing those in Darfur, where RSF militants have been charged with mass killings, sexual violence and abductions against certain racial groups.

The religious leader on Sunday appealed for an prompt truce and the creation of aid passageways in Sudan, saying that attacks on civilians and hindrances to humanitarian aid "are creating unacceptable suffering."

Sudan's official envoy to Egypt on Sunday alleged RSF of perpetrating war crimes in El Fasher and stated that the Sudanese government would not engage with the paramilitary group.

The representative further urged the global community to classify the group as a terrorist organisation.

Nicole Scott
Nicole Scott

Elara is a seasoned travel writer with a passion for uncovering tranquil destinations and promoting mindful travel experiences worldwide.