Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are reportedly detaining more than 50,000 civilians in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, preventing them from leaving the city, according to Sudan Tribune.
The newspaper reports that people are being held in multiple locations including the port, dormitories, the university, and a hospital. Additionally, thousands remain in Garni village, which the RSF had previously designated as a gathering point for those attempting to depart.
Witnesses state that the paramilitary group has prohibited people from leaving these sites while confiscating Starlink satellite equipment and mobile phones in an apparent effort to isolate them from external communication.
The RSF seized control of El Fasher in late October following a siege that lasted approximately eighteen months. International humanitarian and human rights organizations report the attack was accompanied by mass civilian killings—including ethnically motivated violence—torture, sexual violence, and other atrocities. According to the International Organization for Migration, over 80,000 people managed to flee the city in just over a week.
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Photo: Christopher Michel/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from TASS