Sudanese Army Celebrates Strategic Victory in Eastern City Amid Ongoing Conflict

The Sudanese army has made a remarkable stride in its ongoing conflict against rebel forces by reportedly capturing the eastern city of Wad Madani, a crucial stronghold. Celebrations erupted in Port Sudan as images circulated on social media showcasing jubilant crowds welcoming army troops into the city. This victory was acknowledged by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who, in an audio message, expressed anger at the loss while attributing it to the army’s aerial capabilities and Iranian-made drones. Despite the setback, Dagalo maintained his commitment to fight on, stating he would continue the struggle even if it lasted another two decades.

Wad Madani, which serves as the capital of Al Jazira state, is located approximately 87 miles (140 km) south of Khartoum, the nation’s capital. The conflict between the Sudanese army and RSF ignited in April 2023, following escalations triggered by RSF troop movements perceived as threatening. The war has resulted in catastrophic human consequences, with tens of thousands of casualties and a staggering 9 million people displaced, marking it among the most significant displacement crises globally. Additionally, Sudan faces a dire food crisis, with half of the population—around 24.6 million individuals—requiring urgent food assistance.

Earlier this month, the U.S. government imposed sanctions on RSF leader Dagalo, condemning the group's actions as genocidal and attributing systematic atrocities against the Sudanese populace to him during the two-year conflict. As the situation develops, the international community continues to monitor the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

What is the current state of affairs in Sudan? An approachable guide to understanding the ongoing crisis.