In a critical turn of events in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, the Sudanese army, along with allied armed groups, has reportedly entered the city of Wad Madani in Gezira state, pushing out the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). According to an official army statement released on Saturday, the forces are now working to eliminate remaining RSF fighters within the city after more than a year of their control.
The recapture of Wad Madani marks a significant development in the prolonged war that has caused massive humanitarian suffering and displacement across Sudan. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has led to what the United Nations describes as the world’s worst displacement crisis, with millions of people forced to flee their homes.
A Strategic Victory for the Sudanese Army
Wad Madani holds immense strategic importance due to its position as a crossroads connecting key supply routes between several states. It also serves as the nearest major urban center to the capital Khartoum, making it a critical target for both the army and RSF.
According to Al Jazeera’s Hiba Morgan, reporting from Khartoum, the Sudanese military’s advance towards Wad Madani had been steady in recent days, with forces taking control of surrounding villages and securing the vital Hantoub Bridge, which provided a crucial entry point into the city. Witnesses reported seeing soldiers spread across the streets of Wad Madani, with military vehicles patrolling various parts of the city.
“The army is now in most parts of Wad Madani,” Morgan said, adding that the RSF’s presence in the city appeared to have diminished significantly. Videos shared by the Sudanese military showed soldiers celebrating inside the city, while citizens reportedly took to the streets in other army-controlled areas to express their support for the government forces.
Accusations of War Crimes and Human Rights Violations
Both the Sudanese army and the RSF have faced accusations of committing war crimes, including indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas. The RSF, in particular, has been accused of summary executions, looting, and sexual violence. Humanitarian agencies have also reported that RSF forces have laid siege to entire towns, cutting off essential supplies and services.
The United States recently labeled the RSF’s actions as “genocide”, imposing sanctions on its leader Mohammed Hamdan Daglo, widely known as Hemedti. The move was part of broader international efforts to hold perpetrators accountable and bring an end to the violence.
Despite the ongoing conflict, local resistance committees across Sudan, which have played a key role in providing aid and coordinating relief efforts, welcomed the army’s success in Wad Madani. A statement from one such group described the city’s recapture as a moment of liberation and “an end to the tyranny” of the RSF.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
The war between the Sudanese army and RSF has created one of the largest humanitarian crises in recent history. Since the conflict erupted, tens of thousands of people have been killed, and more than 12 million have been displaced. Of those, over three million have sought refuge in neighboring countries, creating a regional refugee crisis.
Gezira state had initially served as a relatively safe haven for displaced people during the early months of the war, with more than 500,000 people finding shelter there. However, a surprise offensive by the RSF in December 2023 forced over 300,000 residents to flee once again. Many of those displaced have since faced repeated evacuations as fighting intensified.
The United Nations and other aid agencies have repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to reach affected areas. The recapture of Wad Madani could provide a crucial opportunity for relief efforts to resume in the region, though significant parts of Gezira state remain under RSF control.
The Battle for Control Continues
While the army’s success in Wad Madani is a major victory, the conflict in Sudan is far from over. The RSF continues to hold significant territory, including nearly all of Darfur in the west and large swathes of southern Sudan. Meanwhile, the army maintains control over the north, east, and parts of the capital Khartoum, where intense fighting has been reported throughout the conflict.
Analysts have warned that unless a comprehensive peace agreement is reached, the war is likely to drag on, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and further destabilizing the region. The international community has called for renewed diplomatic efforts to mediate a lasting truce between the warring factions.
Future Implications
The outcome of the battle for Gezira state could serve as a turning point in the war, potentially shifting the balance of power in favor of the Sudanese army. However, the road to peace remains fraught with challenges, as both sides continue to accuse each other of atrocities and violations of international law.
For now, the recapture of Wad Madani offers a glimmer of hope to those displaced by the conflict, but the path to lasting peace and stability in Sudan will require sustained international engagement and a commitment from all parties to end the violence.
