Sudanese army recaptures Wad Madani from RSF
The Sudanese army recaptured Wad Madani and pushed RSF paramilitary troops out of the city on 11th January, confirmed by Reuters and RSF leader Hemedti.
This news announces a significant gain for the national government, which rebel forces ousted in April 2023, and which has over the past two years lost significant territory in Sudan to Rapid Support Forces troops
Wad Madani, capital of El Gezira state, is an agricultural and trading hub that has been held by the RSF since December 2023. Soldiers posted videos on Saturday depicting troops liberating RSF captives inside the city.
The recapture of the city potentially marks a turning point in the conflict, which has resulted in one of the worlds largest humanitarian crises, due to the displacement of 12 million people and declarations of famine and genocide.
El Gezira, located in the centre of Sudan; south of the capital in Khartoum, has seen some of the RSF’s bloodiest attacks on civilians. In particular, authorities identify Wad Madani as an area at high risk of famine.
This news is the latest covering the rejuvenation in the national government’s campaign in Sudan, with recent news of currency changes, recapture of territory formerly held by the RSF and efforts to involve foreign powers in mediation attempts. The army also made further progress as part of its campaign to retake Bahri.
Hemedti conceded Saturday’s loss via an audio address on RSF’s Telegram account, issuing threats to the army and asserting, “We have been fighting for 21 months; we will fight them for another 21 years”
He went on to attribute the SAF victory to its use of Iranian drones, and accuses the SAF of deploying Ethiopian troops.
News of the recapture has led to widespread celebration within Sudan and Sudanese diasporas, however the conflict rages on. Unfortunately, civilians have suffered during the recapture, as the army also increased airstrikes in the region.
As of now, the RSF controls most of west Sudan, and is fighting to keep al-Fashir, its last stronghold in Darfur. The two forces are also actively fighting over White Nile state in the south of the country.
Reuters
