El-fasher: Thousands of displaced families have undertaken arduous journeys without food and water to escape violence in El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state in western Sudan, reported the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Saturday.
According to Anadolu Agency, the UN agency highlighted in a statement on social media platform X that thousands of families have fled El-Fasher to Tawila in North Darfur, arriving in desperate conditions. UNICEF nutrition specialist Abubakar Ahmed disclosed that more than 6,000 people, predominantly women and children, fled last week due to ongoing conflict, with displaced individuals continuing to arrive daily.
Ahmed explained that the journey between these cities spans over 60 kilometers, taking four to five days on foot. The displaced face significant challenges, enduring beatings and lack of food and water. Upon arrival, they appear thirsty and malnourished, affecting both children and adults. Many children have arrived unaccompanied, unaware of their families' whereabouts.
Salma Ishaq, Undersecretary of Sudan's Ministry of Social Welfare, informed Al Jazeera of serious incidents, including 25 women being raped and 300 individuals killed by Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters in El-Fasher. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization's regional director emphasized the need to protect health facilities in El-Fasher and ensure humanitarian access. A doctor at El-Fasher Hospital reported that patients are dying due to a lack of medical supplies.
The displacement follows the paramilitary RSF's capture of El-Fasher on Sunday after clashes with the Sudanese army. There was no immediate response from the rebel group regarding the UNICEF statement. Earlier, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) expressed concern for civilians trapped inside El-Fasher, noting that their teams in Tawila have prepared for an influx of displaced and wounded individuals.
RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) acknowledged that 'violations' had occurred by his forces in El-Fasher, stating investigation committees have been formed. The conflict between the Sudanese army and RSF, ongoing since April 15, 2023, has resulted in approximately 20,000 deaths and displaced over 15 million people, as reported by UN and local sources.