In a major setback for the Sudanese army, the strategic city of Wad Madani has been captured by a rival paramilitary group, leading to widespread criticism and concern. The army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has publicly blamed “negligent” commanders for the fall of Wad Madani. This incident, along with the ongoing civil war in Sudan, has resulted in the displacement of over 300,000 people from Gezira state, which was perceived as a safe haven.
Gen. Burhan has vowed to hold the responsible commanders accountable for the “surprise withdrawal” and has emphasized that there will be no leniency for those found guilty. The army has launched an investigation into the incident, which allowed the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to take control of Wad Madani. While the RSF claims to have captured the entire Gezira state, independent verification is yet to be obtained.
The capture of Wad Madani has not only heightened fears of further spread of violence but has also prompted aid workers to evacuate neighboring areas as a precautionary measure. Since April, the RSF has been engaged in a battle with the army across Sudan, causing around seven million people to flee their homes, according to the United Nations (UN). Gezira and Wad Madani had become havens for those displaced, offering some semblance of safety amidst the chaos.
Islamic Relief Sudan Director Elsadig Elnour, who witnessed the outbreak of fighting in Wad Madani, highlighted the panic and trauma experienced by civilians in the city. Many of them had already fled Khartoum and were in the process of recovering when they were forced to relocate yet again. The lack of certainty about settling in a safe place and receiving assistance has further exacerbated their distress.
Apart from providing shelter to displaced individuals, Wad Madani had also emerged as a vital hub for aid operations since the start of the conflict. However, with the RSF taking control of the city, numerous aid groups have been compelled to withdraw and move to other regions. The departure of these charities has left Wad Madani devoid of essential services, causing concern among medical professionals like Programme Coordinator Dr Gina Portella from the medical charity EMERGENCY NGO, who described the situation as a “disaster.”
Dr Portella expressed difficulties in keeping track of the welfare and whereabouts of their patients in Wad Madani due to poor communication infrastructure. The medical charity hopes that in a few days, they will be able to establish contact and assess the situation. Consequently, many aid workers and civilians have relocated to Gedaref, Sennar, and White Nile states, fearing that the RSF might target Gedaref next.
Elsadig Elnour, anticipating the escalation of the conflict, has prepared to move Islamic Relief staff from Gedaref, emphasizing the growing unease among the people. This worrying trend has led the UN secretary-general’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, to declare Sudan as the site of the world’s largest displacement crisis. Moreover, the civil war between the RSF and the army, which erupted following a political transition plan disagreement, has ravaged Khartoum, triggered ethnically motivated killings in Darfur, and given rise to a humanitarian crisis.
The fall of Wad Madani not only exposes the vulnerabilities of the Sudanese army but also highlights the dire need for accountability and stability in the region. The impact of this incident resonates beyond Sudan’s borders, compelling the international community to address the displacement crisis, promote peace negotiations, and ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population.
