Over 62,000 displaced after RSF captures Sudan's El-Fasher

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported on Friday that over 62,000 individuals have been displaced from El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, in the four days following its capture by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). UN field teams estimated that 62,263 people fled the city and surrounding villages between October 26 and 29.

Mass Displacement from a Key City

The displacement from El-Fasher has been rapid and large-scale, with an estimated 26,080 people fleeing on October 29 alone. The vast majority, 25,305 individuals, left the city entirely due to severe insecurity. This exodus underscores the immediate and severe impact of the RSF's military takeover on the civilian population in western Sudan.

Humanitarian Crisis in North Kordofan

In a related development, the Sudan Doctors Network reported that 4,500 people have fled the city of Bara in North Kordofan state following violations committed by the RSF. The network described a "rapid exodus" towards El Obeid city, with displaced families facing harsh conditions, including severe shortages of food, water, and shelter during their journey.

Context of the Ongoing Conflict

The mass displacement occurs in the context of Sudan's civil war, which has raged between the national army and the RSF since April 2023. The conflict has caused thousands of deaths and displaced millions nationwide. The fall of El-Fasher to the RSF after a months-long siege has been accompanied by accusations from rights groups of mass killings and attacks on hospitals.