More than 36,000 Sudanese people have escaped following fall of El Fasher to paramilitary group, states UN agency

In excess of 36,000 individuals have escaped Sudan's Kordofan region eastern sector of Darfur starting Saturday, as reported by the UN's migration organization.

The key central region connecting the country's Darfur provinces and the Khartoum-Riverine region has in recent weeks become the newest conflict zone in the 24-month civil conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary forces.

Significant Exodus Numbers

An calculated 36,825 people fled five localities in North Kordofan province between 26 October and 31 October, according to the International Organization for Migration.

The civilians, primarily walking, traveled to Tawila, a town western side of El Fasher that is currently housing over 652,000 refugees.

Increased Troop Concentration

Residents of North Kordofan on Monday noted a significant increase in both RSF and army concentration across urban and rural areas throughout the state.

Both military groups are competing for control of El Obeid, the North Kordofan provincial capital and a important strategic and command center that connects Darfur to Khartoum.

"Today, all our forces have converged on the Bara front here," said an RSF member in a recently circulated video declaration.

Area Inhabitants Detail Safety Fears

A area citizen of Um Smeima, located west of El Obeid, reported that the quantity of RSF vehicles had increased considerably since the group's seizure of El Fasher.

"We discontinued traveling to our farms, fearing clashes," the local stated.

Another resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, also reported that "there has been a substantial growth in army vehicles and weapons west and south of El Obeid" over the last fourteen days.

World Warnings and Calls

A senior UN official raised the alarm last week about "extensive crimes" and "ethnic-based retaliations" by RSF in Bara.

The representative alerted to patterns echoing those in Darfur, where RSF combatants have been charged with mass killings, sexual violence and abductions against non-Arab ethnic groups.

The church leader on Sunday appealed for an immediate ceasefire and the creation of humanitarian corridors in Sudan, stating that attacks on civilians and obstacles to humanitarian aid "are causing unacceptable suffering."

Sudan's official envoy to Egypt on Sunday alleged RSF of carrying out war crimes in El Fasher and announced that the Sudanese government would not discuss with the armed faction.

The diplomat further encouraged the international community to classify the group as a terrorist organisation.

William Jones
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