Ezzeldin Hassan Musa, a resident of el-Fasher in Darfur, Sudan, described his experience escaping from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group that has taken control of the city. Ezzeldin reported that he witnessed extreme violence, including torture and murder, while fleeing the city. He is now in Tawila, where thousands are seeking safety from the conflict.
On Wednesday, RSF leader Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo acknowledged “violations” by his forces in el-Fasher and promised an investigation. The following day, a senior UN official stated that the RSF had arrested some individuals involved in the reported abuses.
Ezzeldin recounted that the journey to safety was filled with suffering and brutality. His group was attacked, beaten, and separated, and he managed to escape despite being injured. He noted the challenges they faced, including lack of food and theft of their belongings during the escape.
Around 5,000 people are believed to have reached Tawila since the RSF took control of el-Fasher. Reports indicate that many escapees are women and children, facing scrutiny from RSF fighters, who seem to target men suspected of military affiliations.
Others interviewed, such as Ahmed Ismail Ibrahim, shared similar accounts of violence, with several companions killed during their attempts to escape. Yusra Ibrahim Mohamed, another presenter of her ordeal, lost her soldier husband and fled to protect herself and her children.
Medical personnel from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) are providing care for the recent influx of refugees, which includes numerous individuals needing urgent medical assistance. They report severe conditions among many who have arrived, contributing to growing concerns about the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Experts have expressed worries about the relatively few who are managing to escape compared to a larger group believed to still be in el-Fasher, indicating ongoing dangers that hinder movement amidst the violence.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgr4qqgdlkjo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss