Thousands Flee to Packed Camps as Paramilitary Seizes El-Fasher
Tens of thousands of Sudanese are fleeing to overcrowded camps to escape violence and atrocities after a paramilitary group seized El-Fasher. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured the city on October 26 during ongoing conflict with the Sudanese army, which began in April 2023.
Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), approximately 82,000 individuals have fled El-Fasher and its surrounding areas as of November 4. Many have sought refuge in Tawila, located about 43 miles away. However, Tawila is already struggling to accommodate the displaced from earlier conflicts, leading to dire living conditions.
Adam Rojal, a spokesperson for a local aid group, reported that over 16,200 people have arrived in Tawila since the RSF’s takeover. Videos show children playing in makeshift camps while adults attempt to prepare food for the influx of displaced families.
Living Conditions in Tawila
The displaced individuals in Tawila face severe shortages of food, medicine, and shelter materials. Families often rely on just one or two meals a day. Medical teams from Doctors Without Borders have reported extremely high levels of malnutrition among both children and adults.
- Over 300 people fled to Tawila on a single day last week.
- Many shelters are improvised using patched tarps and sheets.
- Rojal emphasized the urgent need for psychosocial support in the area.
Ongoing Violence and Atrocities
U.N. Human Rights Chief Volker Türk expressed concern for those left behind in El-Fasher, describing the situation as increasingly dire. Reports of summary executions, rape, and other forms of violence continue to emerge from the city.
Despite a recent announcement from the RSF regarding a potential humanitarian truce, conditions remain bleak. On the ground, violence persists, hindering the safe movement of civilians.
Broader Conflict Impact
The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 40,000 deaths, according to the World Health Organization. An estimated 12 million people have been displaced across Sudan, with nearly half the population facing acute food insecurity.
The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen as violence spreads, particularly in Kordofan, where recent drone attacks have further escalated tensions. Analysts warn that these developments may lead to an even greater humanitarian disaster.
As the RSF consolidates its control over El-Fasher, experts note that their growing influence poses a significant threat to stability in the region. This precarious situation underscores the urgent need for humanitarian aid and international intervention.
