Catastrophic Exodus: Over 60,000 Flee Sudan's El-Fasher Amid RSF Attack

Sun Nov 02 2025 00:42:14 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The UN reports a staggering exodus from the Sudanese city of El-Fasher after it was overtaken by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis in the region.

The recent capture of the Sudanese city El-Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has forced more than 60,000 residents to flee, with harrowing reports of mass executions and atrocities emerging. UN officials note an increase in displaced persons heading towards Tawila, facing various dangers along the way, including harassment and extortion. With malnutrition rampant among fleeing families, the situation is critical as approximately 150,000 people remain trapped in El-Fasher.

More than 60,000 people have fled the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, which was captured by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over the weekend, according to the UN refugee agency.

There have been reports of mass executions and crimes against humanity as the RSF fighters stormed the city after an 18-month siege marked by starvation and heavy bombardment.

The flow of those fleeing the violence towards the town of Tawila, about 80km (50 miles) west of el-Fasher, has increased in the past few days, as stated by UNHCR's Eujin Byun.

They recounted horrendous stories of atrocities, including rape, while the agency struggles to find shelter and food for the displaced. Notably, every child encountered was suffering from malnutrition.

Currently, over 150,000 people are still trapped in el-Fasher, previously the army's last stronghold in the western region of Darfur.

The RSF has denied widespread allegations of ethnically motivated killings targeting non-Arab populations.

While tensions rise, the RSF has detained a militiaman accused of summary executions, amid the ongoing turmoil of the civil war that erupted in April 2023, resulting in accusations of genocide in Darfur.

As the conflict rages on, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan deepens, marking one of the largest displacements globally, with an estimated 12 million people having fled their homes.