Wad Madani: The Sudanese Army's recent recapturing of the key Al-Jazira state capital, Wad Madani, in central Sudan, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict in Sudan. This significant development ends more than a year of control by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and is seen as a potential turning point in the war that has gripped the nation.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the army views the retaking of Wad Madani as a strategic shift, solidifying its control as regular forces advance primarily in the eastern and northern parts of the country. Despite the RSF still holding six states, mainly in Darfur, the army's progress since the RSF's takeover in December 2023 has been noteworthy.
On January 11, the RSF admitted defeat in Wad Madani, with their commander, Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo, acknowledging the loss as "just losing a round of a long battle." Retired General Ameen Majthoub, a Sudanese security expert, credited the army's victory to meticulous planning and updated urban warfare tactics. He suggested that this success might lead to the army's eventual control of the capital, Khartoum.
Maher Al-Ameen, a Sudanese political analyst, described the capture as a significant victory, potentially leading to military equilibrium and boosting army morale. He speculated that these developments might facilitate future negotiations, improve security, and enable over a million displaced persons to return home.
Sudanese journalist Shawqi Abdulatheem viewed the army's retaking of Wad Madani as both a moral and strategic triumph. He emphasized the potential for a shift in power dynamics if the army leverages its recent gains, though he acknowledged the RSF's resilience.
The city, strategically located 200km southeast of Khartoum, holds logistical importance for supplying the capital. Its recapture is a significant setback for the RSF, who have been responsible for severe civilian attacks, including burning fields and looting.
Since the conflict began in April 2023, over 12 million people have been displaced, leading to one of the world's gravest humanitarian crises. The army's recent gains, including advances into Omdurman, Sudan's second-largest city, signal a possible shift in the conflict's trajectory, though RSF leader Dagalo insists the battle is far from over.