The Sudanese army has claimed victory in capturing the city of Wad Madani from rebel forces, marking a crucial win in the ongoing conflict. Despite this development, the RSF continues to fight, with hundreds of thousands affected by the war and famine threatening half the nation’s population. The US has imposed sanctions against RSF leader Dagalo over allegations of genocide amid increasing international concerns.
The Sudanese military has announced its capture of Wad Madani, a significant urban center located in the eastern part of the nation, marking one of its most substantial victories in the ongoing war against rebel factions. Celebratory scenes emerged on social media, depicting citizens welcoming army personnel into the city. In an audio expression of defeat, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo—leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)—conceded the loss, attributing it to the military’s aerial superiority, including the deployment of Iranian-manufactured drones. Nevertheless, he pledged to persist in the conflict until achieving victory, potentially extending the war another 20 years.
Wad Madani holds the status of the capital of Al Jazira state, situated approximately 87 miles south of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan. The conflict between the army and RSF erupted in April 2023, following a surge of tensions linked to the RSF’s mobilization across various regions, which the military interpreted as a provocation. As the war rages on, the humanitarian impact has been devastating, with tens of thousands killed and about nine million individuals displaced, according to the United Nations. Furthermore, a looming famine threatens half of the country’s population, or 24.6 million people.
Recent actions by the United States have imposed sanctions on General Dagalo, alleging that the RSF has engaged in genocidal acts throughout the protracted conflict, which has now spanned over 20 months. This punitive measure reflects growing international concern regarding the atrocities committed against civilians during this period of instability.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has its roots in historical tensions between military forces and paramilitary groups, particularly the RSF. Tensions escalated dramatically in April 2023 after the RSF began repositioning its troops, which the Sudanese army perceived as a significant threat to national security. What has unfolded is a brutal confrontation, resulting in a human tragedy characterized by massive displacements and escalating food insecurity, with international implications as various states and organizations attempt to intervene or respond.
The recent military capture of Wad Madani by the Sudanese army represents a critical development in the ongoing conflict with the RSF. Despite the army’s success, the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, with millions in urgent need of aid. The acknowledgment of defeat by General Dagalo underscores the complexities of the conflict, which, compounded by international sanctions, poses significant challenges for potential resolutions. As the situation evolves, continuous monitoring and response by global entities will be imperative.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
