Sudan Military Reclaims Strategic City Amid Growing Genocide Concerns

The Sudanese military successfully recaptured the strategically important city of Wad Madani from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over the weekend. The U.S. government, which has recently classified the violence in the region as genocide, reports that the RSF has been responsible for grave atrocities since early January.

Wad Madani, located approximately 150 kilometers southeast of the capital, Khartoum, holds significant strategic value due to its position at the intersection of crucial supply routes connecting several states. It is also the capital of Gezira state, known as the "granary of Sudan" during peaceful times. The military’s control of the city could represent its most significant victory since the conflict began nearly two years ago.

In a message on his Telegram channel, RSF leader Mohammed Hamdan Daglo, known as Hemeti, acknowledged the loss but expressed intent to reclaim the city swiftly. The RSF initially seized control of Wad Madani about a year ago, which led to the displacement of tens of thousands of residents and widespread insecurity.

The ongoing conflict has exacerbated a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 12 million individuals fleeing from the violence to neighboring Chad and other countries. The United Nations reports that nearly 25 million people, roughly half of Sudan's population, face food insecurity, with many suffering from acute or chronic hunger.

Compounding the dire situation, the medical infrastructure in Sudan has nearly collapsed, with 70% to 80% of hospitals in conflict zones rendered non-operational. Both the Sudanese military and the RSF have committed atrocities, particularly in the Darfur region, where mass killings of rival ethnic groups have been reported. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Daglo and several associated companies in the UAE for their roles in the conflict and illicit gold trade.

The violence in Sudan stems from a power struggle between military general Abdelfatah Burhan and RSF leader Daglo, whose alliance dissolved four years after they initially overthrew former ruler Omar al-Bashir.