The Sudanese army claims to have captured the eastern city of Wad Madani from rebel groups, marking a significant victory in the ongoing conflict. General Dagalo of the RSF admitted the loss, attributing it to the army’s air power. The conflict has led to tens of thousands of deaths and millions displaced, while Sudan faces a severe food crisis. The U.S. has sanctioned Dagalo for alleged genocide and systemic atrocities against the Sudanese people.
The Sudanese army has announced the capture of Wad Madani, a strategic city in eastern Sudan, marking a significant advancement in its protracted conflict against rebel forces. Videos shared on social media depicted jubilant celebrations among civilians as army personnel entered the city. General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), acknowledged the loss and attributed it to the army’s dominance in air power, including the deployment of Iranian-made drones. Despite this admission, he stated his determination to continue the fight, indicating that the struggle could last another two decades. Wad Madani serves as the capital of Al Jazira state and is situated approximately 87 miles south of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan. Violence erupted between the army and RSF in April 2023, triggered by the redeployment of RSF units across the nation, which the army perceived as a menacing threat. The ongoing war has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, and the United Nations has classified it as one of the largest displacement crises worldwide, with nearly nine million individuals uprooted from their homes. The situation has escalated into a hunger crisis, with 24.6 million people—nearly half the Sudanese population—deemed in desperate need of food assistance. In an earlier development, the United States imposed sanctions on General Dagalo, accusing him of orchestrating genocide and committing systematic atrocities against the Sudanese populace during the nearly two-year conflict.
The conflict in Sudan has been characterized by intense battles between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group that emerged amid rising tensions in 2023. The RSF’s redeployment raised alarm within the military, triggering violent confrontations that have spiraled into a full-scale war with severe humanitarian repercussions. The economic collapse and ensuing famine have exacerbated the plight of millions in Sudan, highlighting the urgent needs of the civilian population amid this prolonged conflict. The international community, observing the situation, has taken steps by sanctioning key figures, including Gen. Dagalo, in response to reports of violent actions against civilians during the combat.
The Sudanese army’s capture of Wad Madani represents a pivotal moment in a nearly two-year conflict with the RSF, contributing to the ongoing humanitarian crisis as violence and displacement continue to plague the nation. The situation demands keen attention from the international community to mitigate starvation and support the millions displaced by the conflict. As the war escalates, the steadfastness proclaimed by both military and paramilitary leaders indicates a drawn-out struggle for control and stability in Sudan, necessitating comprehensive and sustained diplomatic efforts.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
