According to the UNHCR, over 60,000 individuals have left the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, which was seized by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces during the weekend.
Reports indicate multiple executions and crimes against humanity as RSF fighters took control of the city after an extended blockade characterized by food shortages and intense shelling.
The flow of those fleeing the fighting towards the community of Tawila, roughly 80km (50 miles) west of el-Fasher, had increased in the last several days, per United Nations refugee agency spokesperson.
Survivors were describing shocking tales of violence, featuring sexual violence, and the agency was struggling to find adequate shelter and food for them.
Every child was suffering from undernourishment, she added.
It is estimated that in excess of 150,000 individuals are presently trapped in el-Fasher, which had been the military's last stronghold in the western region of Darfur.
The Rapid Support Forces has disputed broad accusations that the executions in el-Fasher are based on ethnic factors and resemble a pattern of the Arab militia groups targeting ethnic minorities.
Yet the RSF has detained one of its members, Abu Lulu, who has been accused of on-the-spot executions.
The force distributed video revealing the militiaman's detention subsequent to verification that he was involved in the death of several non-combatants in the vicinity of el-Fasher.
Social media platform has confirmed that it has banned the account associated with Lulu. Uncertainty exists whether he had managed the account in his name.
Sudan was plunged into a civil war in April 2023 following a brutal struggle for power erupted between its military and the Rapid Support Forces.
This has led to a food crisis and accusations of ethnic cleansing in the Darfur area.
In excess of 150,000 persons have lost their lives in the fighting across the country, and about 12 million have abandoned their residences in what the UN has called the most extensive humanitarian crisis.
The seizure of el-Fasher strengthens the territorial division in the country, with the RSF now in dominance of western Sudan and a large portion of neighbouring Kordofan to the southern area, and the army holding the capital, Khartoum, the center and east along the coastal region.
The opposing sides had been partners - coming to power together in a seizure of power in 2021 - but split over an globally supported proposal to move towards civilian rule.
