A mass exodus of the people of El Fasher after renewed fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces

The intensification of fighting in the cities pushed many Sudanese to neighboring countries (Getty)

On Sunday, the International Organization for Migration announced a large-scale displacement in the city of El Fasher, the center of North Darfur state in western Sudan, as a result of renewed clashes between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces.

The international organization reported, in a statement, that "clashes renewed between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces in the city of El Fasher in North Darfur state, after the army forces launched air strikes targeting Rapid Support sites in the northern and eastern neighborhoods of the city."

She added that the event led to large-scale displacement, and the affected families took refuge in the southern neighborhoods within the city of El Fasher.

She noted that estimates of the number of displaced people have not yet been confirmed, and the situation remains tense and unpredictable.

During recent months, the Rapid Support was able to control the capitals of 4 states out of 5 that make up the Darfur region, which are: Nyala, the center of South Darfur state, El Daein, the center of East Darfur state, Zalingei, the center of Central Darfur state, in addition to El Geneina, the center of West Darfur state.

For its part, the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced on Sunday that 8 million Sudanese have been displaced from their homes inside and outside the country since the outbreak of fighting between the army and the Rapid Support Forces in mid-April 2023.

The UN office reported in a report that 10 months after the outbreak of war, Sudan is facing one of the fastest unfolding crises in the world, with unprecedented needs emerging in such a short period.

He added, "More than 8 million people, about 15% of the country's total population, have fled their homes since the start of the conflict, including 6.2 million displaced within the country and 1.8 million to neighboring countries, making Sudan witness the largest displacement crisis in the world."

He pointed out that 4 million children are among the displaced, and thus Sudan faces the largest child displacement crisis in the world.

The UN office stated that about 25 million people, including more than 14 million children, need assistance and humanitarian support.

The war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces left more than 13,000 dead, according to the United Nations.

Source: Anadolu Agency