More than 36,000 Sudanese people have fled following fall of El Fasher to paramilitary group, reports UN agency
In excess of 36,000 individuals have escaped Sudan's Kordofan territory eastern sector 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 region has over recent weeks become the recent fighting area in the 24-month civil conflict between the Sudanese army and the militia group.
Substantial Evacuation Numbers
An approximated 36,825 people escaped five localities in North Kordofan region 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 accommodating over 652,000 evacuated individuals.
Increased Military Presence
Residents of North Kordofan on Monday noted a significant increase in both RSF and army concentration across towns and villages throughout the state.
Both military groups are competing for control of El Obeid, the North Kordofan state capital and a critical supply and command hub that links 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 Citizens Describe Safety Fears
A area citizen of Um Smeima, located west of El Obeid, stated that the number of RSF vehicles had risen considerably since the group's capture of El Fasher.
"We discontinued traveling to our farms, concerned about clashes," the local stated.
Another resident, who requested anonymity for safety concerns, also indicated that "there has been a significant rise in army vehicles and weapons west and south of El Obeid" over the last fourteen days.
World Alarms and Requests
A senior UN official expressed concerns last week about "widespread abuses" and "ethnic-based retaliations" by RSF in Bara.
The diplomat warned of patterns similar to those in Darfur, where RSF militants have been alleged to commit mass killings, sexual violence and abductions against certain racial groups.
The church leader on Sunday urged an immediate ceasefire and the opening of relief routes in Sudan, stating that attacks on civilians and hindrances to humanitarian aid "are producing unacceptable suffering."
Sudan's official envoy to Egypt on Sunday accused RSF of carrying out war crimes in El Fasher and stated that the Sudanese government would not negotiate with the paramilitary group.
The representative further encouraged the world nations to categorize the group as a terrorist entity.
