Wad Madani, Sudan — In a significant development in Sudan’s ongoing civil war, the Sudanese army has claimed control of the strategic city of Wad Madani in the eastern state of Al Jazira.
Footage circulating on social media captured jubilant scenes of residents celebrating as army troops entered the city.
General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), acknowledged the loss in an audio statement. 
Expressing frustration, Hemedti attributed the defeat to the army’s air superiority, including its deployment of Iranian-made drones. Despite the setback, he vowed to continue fighting, declaring, “Even if it takes 20 years, we will achieve victory.”
Strategic Importance of Wad Madani
Wad Madani, located approximately 140 km (87 miles) south of Khartoum, serves as the capital of Al Jazira state. Its capture represents one of the most significant gains for the army since hostilities erupted in April 2023.
The conflict began after heightened tensions over RSF deployments, which the army perceived as a direct threat.
A Nation in Crisis
The war has devastated Sudan, claiming tens of thousands of lives and displacing about nine million people, according to the United Nations. Experts warn of an escalating famine, with nearly 24.6 million individuals—half the population—requiring urgent food aid.
The United States recently sanctioned Hemedti, accusing him and the RSF of committing systematic atrocities, including acts of genocide. These sanctions aim to hold the RSF accountable for what U.S. officials describe as “unspeakable atrocities against the Sudanese people” during the nearly two-year conflict.
As the battle for control continues, Sudan’s future hangs in the balance. Can the country find a path to peace amid such devastating losses, or will the war’s shadow grow even darker?
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