Escalating Violence in Darfur Forces Thousands to Flee to Neighboring Countries

Thousands of Sudanese refugees continue to flee escalating violence in Darfur and cross into Chad, with the UN calling for access to provide urgent aid amid a worsening humanitarian crisis. The situation in Darfur is catastrophic, with at least 1,000 people killed in el-Geneina alone and over 270,000 refugees fleeing to Chad. UN agencies have been unable to provide relief in Darfur, and the US and UN have warned that the situation could lead to past mass atrocities. The killing of West Darfur state Governor Khamis Abakar marked a new escalation in the conflict.