Sudan Army captures Wad Madni from rebels
The Sudanese army has claimed a major victory in the ongoing conflict, announcing the capture of Wad Madani, a key city in the east of the country. This represents one of the army’s most significant gains since fighting erupted between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023. Videos circulating on social media purportedly show jubilant crowds celebrating in the streets of Wad Madani as army soldiers entered the city.
The RSF leader, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, acknowledged the loss in a reportedly angry and rambling audio message. He attributed the defeat to the Sudanese army’s superior air power and its effective use of Iranian-made drones. Despite this significant setback, Hemedti vowed to continue the fight, stating his intention to persevere even if the conflict were to last another two decades.
Wad Madani holds significant strategic importance. Located approximately 87 miles (140km) south of Khartoum, the capital, it serves as a crucial crossroads connecting several Sudanese states via vital supply routes. Its proximity to Khartoum also underscores its strategic value. Control of Wad Madani could significantly impact the supply lines and overall strategic position of both warring factions.
The conflict has devastated Sudan, causing a profound humanitarian crisis. The United Nations has described the situation as one of the world’s largest displacement crises, with approximately nine million people forced to flee their homes. Furthermore, the country is sliding into a severe famine, with experts estimating that 24.6 million people—roughly half the population—are in urgent need of food assistance.
This military development follows the US government’s recent sanctions against Hemedti, accusing him of genocide and holding him responsible for systematic atrocities against the Sudanese people during the 20-month conflict.
