The Sudanese army has captured the key city of Wad Madani from the RSF, marking a significant victory in the ongoing conflict. General Hemedti of the RSF acknowledged the defeat, attributing it to the army’s air superiority and Iranian drones. The war has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and severe displacement, with millions facing famine.
The Sudanese army has announced its successful capture of Wad Madani, a significant city located in eastern Sudan, marking a pivotal advancement in their ongoing conflict with rebel forces. Footage circulating on social media depicted jubilant celebrations among citizens as army personnel seized control of the city. In response, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), conceded this setback in an audio message, citing the army’s superior air capabilities and the deployment of Iranian-made drones as contributing factors to their loss, while vowing to persist in the struggle, regardless of the duration.
Wad Madani serves as the capital of Al Jazira state, positioned roughly 87 miles (140 km) south of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan. The conflict ignited in April 2023, after escalating tensions regarding the redeployment of RSF members, an action deemed provocative by the army. This protracted warfare has inflicted heavy casualties, claiming tens of thousands of lives, and has precipitated one of the largest displacement crises globally, with approximately nine million individuals uprooted from their homes. Furthermore, the situation has escalated into a humanitarian disaster, as close to half of the Sudanese population, approximately 24.6 million people, urgently require food assistance.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan between the army and the RSF has roots in the political and civil tensions that have persisted for years. The RSF emerged from militias that operated during the Darfur conflict and has since become a significant paramilitary organization within the country. The recent skirmishes, which escalated in April 2023, were triggered by strategic military redeployments by the RSF. This period of turmoil has been characterized by brutal violence, widespread atrocities, and humanitarian crises, compelling international attention and intervention.
In summary, the Sudanese army’s capture of Wad Madani represents a considerable achievement in their conflict with the RSF, which continues to deny defeat despite the acknowledged loss. The ongoing warfare has caused immense human suffering and displacement, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The international community remains watchful as the situation unfolds, particularly given the severe implications for the millions of displaced individuals and those facing famine.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
