Darfur Chaos: El Fasher Falls to Paramilitary Force, Civilians Caught in Crossfire

Shares fell sharply in the Darfur region of Sudan as the city of El Fasher fell to a brutal paramilitary force, leaving the civilian toll unclear. U.N. officials reported widespread reports of executions and other atrocities, with the U.N.'s emergency relief coordinator, Tom Fletcher, describing the situation as having descended into a "darker hell." The city's takeover has sparked international concern, with activists and U.N. officials sounding the alarm for months, warning of a repeat of the genocide that occurred in Darfur two decades ago. According to U.N. officials, it is difficult to estimate the number of civilians killed in El Fasher, with reports of executions and other atrocities continuing to emerge. "No one is safe," said a U.N. official, who wished to remain anonymous. The official added that the situation on the ground is dire, with many civilians fleeing the city in fear of their lives. The takeover of El Fasher marks a significant escalation of violence in the Darfur region, which has been plagued by conflict for decades. The region has seen numerous reports of human rights abuses, including sexual assault and graphic violence. Activists have been warning of a repeat of the genocide that occurred in Darfur in the early 2000s, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people. U.N. officials have been sounding the alarm for months, but have been unable to stop the violence. The U.N.'s emergency relief coordinator, Tom Fletcher, has called for immediate action to protect civilians in the region. "We are seeing a repeat of the worst excesses of the past, and it is imperative that we act now to prevent further suffering," Fletcher said. The international community has condemned the takeover of El Fasher, with many countries calling for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians. The U.N. Security Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to discuss the situation in Darfur. The current situation in El Fasher remains dire, with many civilians trapped in the city and unable to flee. The U.N. has called for safe passage for civilians to leave the city, but it remains unclear if this will be possible. The international community is watching the situation closely, with many countries calling for immediate action to protect civilians in the region.