Reports of mass killings and sexual violence in Sudan's seized city of el-Fasher | DW News

Key Concepts

• Atrocities
• Mass killings
• Sexual violence
• Beatings
• Robberies
• Displaced persons
• Humanitarian assistance
• Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
• El Fascia
• Tafu region
• Tawila
• Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
• Disoriented
• Dehydrated
• Unaccompanied children
• Armed militia groups
• Hostages
• Fascher Zum camp

Situation in El Fascia and Displacement

Tens of thousands of people are feared trapped in El Fascia, Sudan, following the seizure of the city by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) last Sunday. Survivors fleeing the city report widespread atrocities, including mass killings, sexual violence, beatings, and robberies. The United Nations (UN) indicates that over 60,000 individuals have already fled El Fascia, a key city in Sudan's Tafu region, without adequate food or water, and some with gunshot wounds.

Testimonies from Displaced Persons in Tawila

Sashwad Saraf, the Sudan Country Director for the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), shared insights from Tawila, a town approximately 60 kilometers west of El Fascia, where many displaced individuals are seeking refuge. Upon registering new arrivals in Tawila, Saraf and his team are hearing harrowing accounts:

• Witnessed Killings: Some individuals have directly witnessed people being killed.
• Detentions: Reports indicate people being detained.
• Psychological Impact: Many are too disoriented and dehydrated to speak, requiring immediate medical attention before they can be interviewed.
• Multiple Atrocities: The NRC is receiving multiple accounts of various forms of atrocities.
• Unaccompanied Children: A particularly concerning observation is the arrival of unaccompanied children as young as three years old, who are separated from their parents, grandparents, or other family members.

Security Situation on Escape Routes

The security situation along the routes from El Fascia is described as "terrible." This perilous environment poses significant risks to those attempting to flee:

• Kidnapping and Detention: Many who manage to escape El Fascia are subsequently kidnapped or detained along the road.
• Armed Militia Groups: Armed militia groups are reportedly operating on these routes, taking individuals hostage.
• Ransom Demands: Hostages are often asked to pay ransoms, but many lack the financial means to do so.
• Missing Persons: Consequently, a large number of people remain missing, and their whereabouts are unknown.

Discrepancy in Expected Displacement Numbers

While hundreds of thousands of people were initially in El Fascia, the numbers arriving in Tawila have been significantly lower than anticipated. Over the past few days, only an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 people have arrived in Tawila. The expectation was for hundreds of thousands to seek safety and access to essential services like food, water, and healthcare in other locations.

Safety of Displaced Persons and Humanitarian Organizations in Tawila

The safety of displaced individuals and humanitarian organizations like the NRC in Tawila is a pressing concern. Saraf acknowledges the current safety of their operations but emphasizes the volatile nature of the situation in Sudan:

• Uncertain Future: "We continue to say we are safe till the time we are not," Saraf stated, highlighting the unpredictable security landscape.
• Past Volatility: He referenced the past two and a half years, during which many previously safe locations in Sudan have become unsafe.
• Ongoing Support: Despite the uncertainties, the NRC is currently providing humanitarian assistance in Tawila to the newly arrived displaced persons, as well as to the existing half a million people who had previously fled El Fascia and other areas since April of the current year.

Conclusion

The situation in El Fascia is dire, with widespread atrocities reported and a significant number of people feared trapped. The escape routes are extremely dangerous, leading to further detentions and missing persons. While Tawila is currently a refuge for some, the overall displacement numbers are lower than expected, and the long-term safety of both the displaced and humanitarian workers remains uncertain due to the volatile security environment in Sudan. The Norwegian Refugee Council continues its efforts to provide essential aid amidst these challenging circumstances.