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

More than 36,000 people have evacuated from Sudan's Kordofan territory eastern part of Darfur beginning Saturday, according to the UN's migration agency.

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

Significant Exodus Figures

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

The people, primarily walking, traveled to Tawila, a town west of El Fasher that is currently housing more than 652,000 refugees.

Increased Forces Deployment

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

Both military groups are vying for 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 shared video message.

Area Residents Detail Safety Fears

A area citizen of Um Smeima, located west of El Obeid, stated that the amount of RSF vehicles had risen significantly since the group's seizure of El Fasher.

"We stopped going to our farms, fearing confrontations," the resident stated.

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

Global Concerns and Requests

A senior UN official sounded warnings last week about "widespread abuses" and "ethnically motivated reprisals" 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 certain racial groups.

The spiritual head on Sunday called for an prompt truce and the establishment 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 accused RSF of committing war crimes in El Fasher and announced that the Sudanese government would not negotiate with the militia organization.

The representative further urged the world nations to categorize the group as a terrorist entity.

Heather Patterson
Heather Patterson

Elara is a passionate storyteller with a background in creative writing, known for crafting immersive tales that resonate with diverse audiences.