Sudanese army recaptures Wad Madani city in central Sudan from rival paramilitary RSF
KHARTOUM, Sudan
The Sudanese army on Saturday announced entering and recapturing the city of Wad Madani in the Al Jazirah state in central Sudan.
One year ago, the Sudanese army lost the city in favor of its rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) group.
“We are inside Wad Madani city and the Rapid Support Forces fled it,” Major Bassam Abu Satour, a field army commander, said in a statement.
Information Minister Khalid Alesir in a statement hailed the Sudanese army and affiliated forces for the victory in Wad Madani city against RSF.
“On behalf of the Sudanese government, I extend the greetings to our steadfast and victorious people in Wad Madani city and in Al Jazirah state,” Alesir said.
On Thursday, the Sudanese army announced advancing and capturing several villages around Wad Madani city.
The RSF, however, still controls large parts of Al Jazirah state, except for Wad Madani city, Al-Manaqil, and its surrounding regions, extending south to Sennar State’s border and westward to the White Nile State’s boundary.
Clashes between the RSF and the army reignited in Al Jazirah on Oct. 20, 2024, after RSF commander Abu Aqla Kikal — originally from the state — defected and declared his allegiance to the army.
In December 2023, the RSF, under Kikal’s leadership, seized control of several towns in Al Jazirah, including Wad Madani.
The conflict between the army and the RSF, ongoing since mid-April 2023, has resulted in more than 20,000 deaths and displaced 14 million people, according to the UN and local authorities.
Research from US universities, however, estimates the death toll at around 130,000.
*Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara
Anadolu Agency website contains only a portion of the news stories offered to subscribers in the AA News Broadcasting System (HAS), and in summarized form. Please contact us for subscription options.
