More than 36,000 Sudanese people have evacuated since fall of El Fasher to paramilitary group, states UN agency
Over 36,000 civilians have escaped Sudan's Kordofan region east of Darfur beginning Saturday, as reported by the UN's migration organization.
The key central region separating the country's Darfur provinces and the Khartoum-Riverine area has in recent weeks become the latest battleground in the extended civil war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary group.
Massive Exodus Figures
An estimated 36,825 people escaped five areas in North Kordofan region between 26 October and 31 October, per data from the International Organization for Migration.
The individuals, most on foot, moved toward Tawila, a town western side of El Fasher that is currently housing over 652,000 evacuated individuals.
Increased Forces Deployment
Residents of North Kordofan on Monday described a substantial rise in both RSF and army presence across communities throughout the state.
Both forces are vying for control of El Obeid, the North Kordofan regional capital and a important strategic and command hub that connects Darfur to Khartoum.
"Today, all our forces have assembled at the Bara front here," commented an RSF member in a recently shared video message.
Area Citizens Report Security Concerns
A area citizen of Um Smeima, located west of El Obeid, described that the quantity of RSF vehicles had risen substantially since the group's takeover of El Fasher.
"We discontinued traveling to our farms, concerned about clashes," the individual explained.
Another inhabitant, who asked to remain unnamed 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 previous fortnight.
World Alarms and Calls
A senior UN official raised the alarm last week about "extensive crimes" and "race-driven revenge attacks" by RSF in Bara.
The representative cautioned about patterns echoing those in Darfur, where RSF fighters have been accused of mass killings, sexual violence and abductions against certain racial groups.
The spiritual head on Sunday urged an immediate ceasefire and the creation of humanitarian corridors in Sudan, stating that attacks on civilians and impediments to humanitarian aid "are producing 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 paramilitary group.
The diplomat further urged the international community to designate the group as a terrorist group.
