Sudan’s military has recaptured Wad Madani from the RSF, marking a significant victory after over a year of control by the rebels. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has led to over 28,000 deaths and millions displaced. Famine conditions persist, with international bodies investigating war crimes, intensifying scrutiny on the RSF’s actions.
Sudan’s military forces have regained control of Wad Madani, the capital city of Gezira province, from the rebel group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This significant victory comes over a year after the RSF originally seized the city, which formerly served as a refuge for displaced families during the early conflict phases. The military’s operation to reclaim Wad Madani began in the early hours on Saturday, with officials confirming efforts to eliminate remaining rebel presence within the city.
The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023, ignited by escalating tensions between military leaders and the RSF, leading to widespread chaos in Khartoum and beyond. The ongoing violence has resulted in over 28,000 casualties while displacing millions. Many families are enduring severe hardships, with food shortages causing even desperate measures, such as consuming grass to survive amidst famine conditions affecting various regions.
The United Nations and various human rights organizations report numerous atrocities, including targeted killings and sexual violence throughout the conflict. The International Criminal Court is currently investigating accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Additionally, the Biden administration recently accused the RSF of committing genocide, enforcing sanctions on both the leader of the RSF, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, and affiliated companies in the United Arab Emirates, particularly those suspected of handling smuggled gold from Sudan.
The official statement from the military celebrated the success in Wad Madani, claiming it restores security and dignity to Sudanese citizens. In the aftermath of this military operation, videos circulated online depict jubilant troops celebrating alongside local residents, marking the city’s liberation with chants of, “Allah is Great.” The RSF has not yet issued a response to this development.
The RSF’s control over Wad Madani, which began in December 2023, has forced significant numbers of the populace to evacuate the area. Recent military advances have further eroded the RSF’s battlefield standing, leading to losses in Khartoum, Omdurman, and various eastern and central provinces. The ongoing war has unleashed one of the largest displacement crises globally, with over 14 million individuals uprooted from their homes, as the United Nations estimates.
Furthermore, the Integrated Food Security Classification project indicates famine conditions in at least five regions, including three displaced-person camps in Darfur. Projections suggest that several additional areas may face famine in the coming months, alongside the persistent famine risk affecting many more regions.
The escalating conflict in Sudan has roots in long-standing power struggles between military factions, particularly between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF. This struggle has manifested in civil unrest and violence that erupted into open warfare in 2023. The resulting humanitarian crisis has displaced millions and led to widespread suffering, including food insecurity and violations of human rights. International bodies are increasingly intervening, seeking to address the dire consequences of the ongoing conflict.
Sudan’s military has successfully recaptured Wad Madani from the RSF, a pivotal development in the ongoing conflict that has resulted in immense humanitarian crises and displacement. As violence continues, international scrutiny on the RSF’s actions grows, with potential war crime investigations underway. The war in Sudan illustrates the severe repercussions of civil strife on the civilian population, prompting urgent calls for humanitarian aid and intervention.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
