More than 36,000 Sudanese citizens have evacuated since capture of El Fasher to RSF, says UN agency
More than 36,000 people have evacuated from Sudan's Kordofan area eastern part of Darfur starting Saturday, as stated by the UN's migration agency.
The strategic central area between the country's Darfur areas and the Khartoum-Riverine region has in recent weeks become the newest conflict zone in the 24-month civil conflict between the Sudanese armed forces and the paramilitary forces.
Significant Evacuation Figures
An approximated 36,825 people escaped five districts in North Kordofan region between 26 October and 31 October, as reported by the International Organization for Migration.
The individuals, most on foot, traveled to Tawila, a town western side of El Fasher that is currently accommodating more than 652,000 refugees.
Heightened Troop Concentration
Citizens of North Kordofan on Monday noted a significant increase in both RSF and army concentration across towns and villages throughout the state.
Both forces are contesting control of El Obeid, the North Kordofan state capital and a important strategic and command center that connects Darfur to Khartoum.
"Today, all our forces have assembled at the Bara front here," stated an RSF member in a recently shared video declaration.
Area Residents Detail Security Concerns
A local inhabitant of Um Smeima, located west of El Obeid, reported that the number of RSF vehicles had risen significantly since the group's capture of El Fasher.
"We ceased visiting our farms, fearing clashes," the local explained.
Another resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, also indicated that "there has been a substantial growth in army vehicles and weapons west and south of El Obeid" over the previous fortnight.
World Concerns and Appeals
A senior UN official sounded warnings last week about "large-scale atrocities" and "ethnic-based retaliations" by RSF in Bara.
The diplomat cautioned about patterns similar to those in Darfur, where RSF fighters have been alleged to commit mass killings, sexual violence and abductions against certain racial groups.
The religious leader on Sunday called for an quick cessation of hostilities and the creation of humanitarian corridors in Sudan, stating that attacks on civilians and obstacles to humanitarian aid "are creating unacceptable suffering."
Sudan's official envoy to Egypt on Sunday charged RSF of committing war crimes in El Fasher and declared that the Sudanese government would not discuss with the paramilitary group.
The ambassador further called on the world nations to classify the group as a terrorist group.
