The Sudanese army has claimed victory in capturing Wad Madani, a key city in eastern Sudan, marking a significant military gain in the nearly two-year-long conflict against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). General Dagalo of the RSF acknowledged the loss while vowing to continue fighting. The conflict has led to extensive casualties and has created a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and in urgent need of food assistance.
The Sudanese armed forces have announced the capture of Wad Madani, a significant city located in eastern Sudan. This achievement marks one of the army’s most substantial victories in the ongoing conflict against rebel forces that commenced nearly two years ago. Social media footage depicted jubilant crowds celebrating as army troops entered the city, indicating widespread public support for the military’s advances. In an audio message, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), recognized the defeat while asserting his commitment to continue the fight, notwithstanding the challenges posed by the army’s aerial capabilities and the utilization of Iranian-made drones.
Wad Madani serves as the capital of Al Jazira state and is situated approximately 140 kilometers south of Khartoum, the nation’s capital. The hostilities between the Sudanese army and the RSF erupted in April 2023, following a period of heightened tensions related to the redeployment of RSF personnel across the country. Since the outbreak of war, the conflict has resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of lives and has led to what the United Nations describes as one of the largest displacement crises globally, displacing around nine million individuals. The nation faces the specter of famine, with experts indicating that 24.6 million people, roughly half of the population, are in urgent need of food assistance. Recently, the United States sanctioned General Dagalo due to accusations of genocide and systematic atrocities against the people of Sudan throughout the nearly 20-month-long conflict.
The situation in Sudan has deteriorated significantly since the outbreak of armed conflict in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF was established primarily from former militias involved in the Darfur conflict and has since become a powerful paramilitary group involved in various armed confrontations. The current conflict has led to a massive humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and in dire need of assistance. The international community, including the United Nations and the United States, has been monitoring the situation closely due to its repercussions on regional stability and human rights violations.
In summary, the Sudanese army’s recent seizure of Wad Madani represents a significant development in the ongoing conflict with the RSF. Despite this military success, the humanitarian situation in Sudan remains critical, with widespread displacement and food insecurity affecting millions. Both international intervention and sustained local efforts are crucial to address the urgent needs of the affected population, while the conflict continues unabated, illustrating the deep-rooted challenges facing Sudanese society.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
