Sudan’s military on Saturday, regained control of the city of Wad Madani from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group recently accused by the United States of genocide.
This victory could be a turning point in the country’s civil war, which has caused widespread destruction since 2023.
The government announced that the army had “liberated” Wad Madani, an important area in Sudan’s farming region.
Military officials said they were still working to clear out remaining RSF fighters.
General Mohamed Hamdan, the RSF leader, admitted his forces had lost the city but promised to take it back.
Videos shared online showed Sudanese troops entering the city, which is about 100 miles south of the capital, Khartoum.
Reports indicated that RSF fighters were retreating, sparking hope among many Sudanese that the war might take a new direction.
This is the military’s biggest success since the conflict began. If they hold the city, experts think the war may shift its focus to Khartoum.
People celebrated in areas under military control, including Port Sudan, while Sudanese exiles in countries like Egypt and Saudi Arabia joined in the celebrations.
The RSF is facing growing international pressure. Last week, the U.S. announced sanctions against its leader, General Hamdan, and companies accused of supporting the group by trading gold and buying weapons.
Although the RSF initially gained territory, they have recently been losing ground in Khartoum and eastern Sudan.
For most Sudanese people, though, the war continues to bring suffering. Tens of thousands have died, millions have been forced to flee their homes, and famine is spreading.
Both the military and the RSF are accused of serious crimes, but the RSF also faces allegations of ethnic cleansing in Darfur, leading to demands for justice.
