More than 36,000 Sudanese citizens have escaped since fall of El Fasher to RSF, says UN agency
In excess of 36,000 civilians have fled Sudan's Kordofan area east of Darfur since Saturday, as stated by the UN's migration agency.
The important central zone connecting the country's Darfur areas and the capital region has over recent weeks become the newest conflict zone in the extended civil war between the Sudanese armed forces and the militia group.
Massive Exodus Statistics
An calculated 36,825 people fled five districts in North Kordofan province between 26 October and 31 October, as reported by the International Organization for Migration.
The civilians, primarily walking, headed to Tawila, a town western side of El Fasher that is currently sheltering over 652,000 refugees.
Heightened Military Presence
Citizens of North Kordofan on Monday noted a heavy surge in both RSF and army presence across urban and rural areas throughout the state.
Both forces are competing for control of El Obeid, the North Kordofan provincial capital and a critical supply and command center that connects Darfur to Khartoum.
"Today, all our forces have gathered at the Bara front here," commented an RSF member in a recently distributed video declaration.
Local Citizens Report Protection Issues
A resident of Um Smeima, located west of El Obeid, described that the amount of RSF vehicles had risen considerably since the group's takeover of El Fasher.
"We ceased visiting our farms, fearing clashes," the individual stated.
Another resident, who requested anonymity for safety concerns, also confirmed that "there has been a substantial growth in army vehicles and weapons west and south of El Obeid" over the previous fortnight.
Global Concerns and Calls
A senior UN official sounded warnings last week about "widespread abuses" and "race-driven revenge attacks" by RSF in Bara.
The representative warned of patterns echoing those in Darfur, where RSF combatants have been charged with mass killings, sexual violence and abductions against non-Arab ethnic groups.
The religious leader on Sunday urged an immediate ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors in Sudan, saying that attacks on civilians and hindrances to humanitarian aid "are creating unacceptable suffering."
Sudan's official envoy to Egypt on Sunday alleged RSF of perpetrating war crimes in El Fasher and stated that the Sudanese government would not negotiate with the armed faction.
The ambassador further encouraged the world nations to designate the group as a terrorist group.