Sudanese army recaptures strategic city from rebels

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have announced the successful recapture of Wad Madani, a strategic city in eastern Sudan, marking a significant breakthrough in their ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The SAF launched a decisive offensive on January 11, 2025, reclaiming the city that had been under RSF control since December 2023.

Wad Madani, the capital of Al Jazira State, served as a critical base for RSF operations, making its liberation a substantial blow to the paramilitary group.

In a statement, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sudanese Sovereign Council and leader of the SAF, described the victory as a step toward restoring stability and sovereignty across Sudan.

“This success underscores our commitment to eliminating insurgent threats and rebuilding our nation,” al-Burhan said, urging citizens to continue supporting military efforts.

Humanitarian Impact

The conflict between the SAF and RSF began in April 2023 following disagreements over power-sharing and military integration.

The violence has since resulted in over 28,000 deaths and displaced millions, creating a severe humanitarian crisis.

With the recapture of Wad Madani, humanitarian agencies are hopeful that aid delivery to affected areas will improve.

The country is also slipping into a famine, with 24.6 million people—about half the population—in urgent need of food aid, experts said.

However, international observers stress the need for both sides to prioritise the protection of civilian lives and infrastructure during ongoing operations.

The war has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. And in what the United Nations has called one of the world’s “largest displacement crises,” about 9 million people have been forced to flee their homes.

The SAF’s victory is seen as a potential turning point in the conflict, but peace in Sudan remains uncertain as both factions continue to vie for control in other parts of the country.

Global leaders are calling for renewed diplomatic efforts to end the violence and achieve lasting peace in the region.