🔗 Share this article Over 36,000 Sudanese people have fled following fall of El Fasher to RSF, states UN agency More than 36,000 people have escaped Sudan's Kordofan territory east of Darfur since Saturday, as reported by the UN's immigration body. The strategic central area separating the country's Darfur areas and the Khartoum-Riverine region has in recent weeks become the latest battleground in the 24-month civil conflict between the Sudanese armed forces and the militia group. Massive Displacement Statistics An approximated 36,825 people evacuated from five localities in North Kordofan region between 26 October and 31 October, as reported by the International Organization for Migration. The people, mainly traveling by foot, moved toward Tawila, a town west of El Fasher that is currently accommodating in excess of 652,000 refugees. Increased Forces Deployment Citizens of North Kordofan on Monday reported a substantial rise in both RSF and army presence across towns and villages throughout the state. Both forces are contesting control of El Obeid, the North Kordofan regional capital and a critical supply and command base that connects Darfur to Khartoum. "Today, all our forces have assembled at the Bara front here," stated an RSF member in a recently shared video declaration. Regional Inhabitants Describe Protection Issues A local inhabitant of Um Smeima, located west of El Obeid, reported that the number of RSF vehicles had risen considerably since the group's seizure of El Fasher. "We ceased visiting our farms, fearing confrontations," the local stated. Another inhabitant, who asked to remain unnamed for security reasons, also confirmed that "there has been a substantial growth in army vehicles and weapons west and south of El Obeid" over the last fourteen days. World Alarms and Calls A senior UN official expressed concerns last week about "widespread abuses" and "ethnic-based retaliations" by RSF in Bara. The representative warned of patterns echoing those in Darfur, where RSF fighters have been charged with mass killings, sexual violence and abductions against non-Arab ethnic groups. The religious leader on Sunday appealed for an quick cessation of hostilities and the establishment of aid passageways in Sudan, declaring that attacks on civilians and hindrances to humanitarian aid "are causing unacceptable suffering." Sudan's ambassador to Egypt on Sunday accused RSF of carrying out war crimes in El Fasher and announced that the Sudanese government would not engage with the armed faction. The representative further called on the global community to designate the group as a terrorist organisation.