Over 36,000 Sudanese people have escaped since fall of El Fasher to RSF, says UN agency
More than 36,000 individuals have escaped Sudan's Kordofan territory east of Darfur starting Saturday, as stated by the UN's migration organization.
The strategic central area connecting the country's Darfur areas and the capital region has in recent weeks become the newest conflict zone in the extended civil war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary group.
Significant Exodus Numbers
An approximated 36,825 people escaped five areas in North Kordofan region between 26 October and 31 October, as reported by the International Organization for Migration.
The individuals, primarily walking, traveled to Tawila, a town west of El Fasher that is currently housing more than 652,000 refugees.
Escalated Troop Concentration
Local inhabitants of North Kordofan on Monday noted a significant increase in both RSF and army deployment across towns and villages throughout the state.
Both forces are competing for control of El Obeid, the North Kordofan state capital and a key logistics and command base that links Darfur to Khartoum.
"Today, all our forces have gathered at the Bara front here," commented an RSF member in a recently circulated video declaration.
Regional Inhabitants Describe Security Concerns
A area citizen of Um Smeima, located west of El Obeid, reported that the quantity of RSF vehicles had risen considerably since the group's takeover of El Fasher.
"We discontinued traveling to our farms, concerned about fighting," the resident stated.
Another inhabitant, who sought confidentiality for security reasons, also reported that "there has been a big increase in army vehicles and weapons west and south of El Obeid" over the previous fortnight.
Global Warnings and Calls
A senior UN official expressed concerns last week about "widespread abuses" and "ethnically motivated reprisals" by RSF in Bara.
The official warned of patterns similar to those in Darfur, where RSF militants have been accused of mass killings, sexual violence and abductions against non-Arab ethnic groups.
The church leader on Sunday urged an prompt truce and the creation of relief routes in Sudan, stating that attacks on civilians and hindrances to humanitarian aid "are creating unacceptable suffering."
Sudan's official envoy to Egypt on Sunday alleged RSF of committing war crimes in El Fasher and declared that the Sudanese government would not discuss with the militia organization.
The diplomat further called on the global community to classify the group as a terrorist group.
