Sudan: People rejoice as army take over from RSF
Civilians and soldiers rejoiced in Wad Madani, capital of Sudan’s Al-Jazira state, following its recapture by the Sudanese army from the paramilitary Rapid Support Services (RSF), a development which is viewed as a significant moment in the nearly two-year civil war, The New Arab via Reuters reports
“We are so happy, we can’t express ourselves,” said a woman on January 12th, as soldiers fired celebratory shots into the air and crowds filled the streets with cheers. “A whole year we have been squeezed, we haven’t been able to breathe.”
The conflict erupted in Khartoum in April 2023 due to disagreements over merging the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) with the Rapid Support Services (RSF). It has resulted in one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, displacing over 12 million people and leaving half the population in hunger.
Under the RSF’s control, Al-Jazira, known for its fertile lands, faced the threat of famine. Violent raids forced residents to flee its close-knit villages, while farmlands were left untended or set ablaze, according to witnesses and locals.
The RSF denies these claims and asserts that it is combating rogue groups responsible for the violence.
Securing full control of Al-Jazira is vital for the army’s efforts to cut off RSF supply lines to Khartoum and strengthen its position in the army-controlled eastern region. The RSF still maintains authority over most of the capital.
Boost morale
“The SAF’s capture of Wad Madani boosts its own morale and puts large RSF contingents at risk of encirclement in the area,” said Jalel Harchaoui, associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London.
“It also frees the SAF to intensify pressure on Khartoum before potentially shifting its focus westward,” Harchaoui added, warning that the RSF may retaliate with an offensive on al-Fashir, the army’s last holdout in the region of western Darfur.
“This is a big victory that we thank God for, but we are not stopping, we are going swiftly, we are in a hurry, and God-willing soon every inch of Sudan will be cleansed,” said General Shams el-Din Kabbashi, deputy leader of the armed forces, addressing civilians and troops in Madani.
The bodies of RSF fighters were reportedly visible on the bridge and the road leading into the city, although there were a few clashes reported within Madani itself.
The swift capture of the city followed weeks of steady army advances in nearby villages, supported by newly acquired weaponry and additional recruits to allied forces.
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Support from defectors
The Joint Forces, a coalition of former rebel groups, as well as Sudan Shield, led by RSF defector Abuagla Keikal took part in the assault.
According to sources within the RSF, their forces withdrew after being overwhelmed by sustained army pressure. RSF fighters were said to be worn down by airstrikes and dwindling supplies of ammunition and resources.
Witnesses said RSF troops retreated northwards to other towns in the state and Khartoum while being pursued by airstrikes from the army.
Intensified fighting is expected as the RSF seeks to hold its position in Khartoum, where the army has reportedly gained ground, RSF sources stated.
Many RSF fighters, originating from militias and tribes outside of Al-Jazira, reportedly lacked the drive to defend the country’s centre, according the RSF sources.
Residents reported widespread looting during the RSF occupation.
“If we have just 1000 pounds ($0.40) they tell us to hand it over. They exhausted and humiliated us,” said Ahmed Abdelqadir, a lawyer who joined others in cheering for SAF soldiers as they moved through the town.
The paramilitary forces raided homes, and when no valuables were found, residents were killed, according to eyewitnesses.
“They left us with nothing.”
The New Arab via Reuters
