• Sudan’s army confirms its retaking of Wad Madani from RSF control, marking a significant gain in the ongoing conflict.
• Wad Madani’s strategic importance lies in its location as a key supply hub, crucial for military logistics.
• The RSF leader acknowledges the loss but vows to maintain the fight, indicating the conflict's persistence.
• Humanitarian concerns escalate as the war has displaced millions and exacerbated the country's food crisis.

On January 11, 2025, Sudan's military announced its significant recapture of Wad Madani, a strategic city that has been under the control of the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for over a year. This victory is heralded as one of the army's greatest accomplishments in nearly two years of brutal conflict, which erupted in April 2023 over tensions between the army and the RSF regarding their integration. According to BBC, crowds celebrated in cities like Port Sudan as soldiers claimed their advances amid growing sentiments of support for the army.

The RSF leader, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, acknowledged the loss in an emotional message, attributing the army's success to their air superiority and advanced weaponry. Despite admitting defeat, Dagalo pledged to continue fighting, stating, "Today we lost a round, we did not lose the battle" (Le Monde).

Wad Madani holds immense strategic value, serving as a crucial trade and supply hub linking various states within Sudan. As reported by Al Jazeera, control of this city affords the army greater logistical flexibility and could help alleviate the severe humanitarian crisis that has displaced over 12 million people, as the ongoing war has pushed much of the population towards famine.

Celebrations erupted in areas reclaimed by the army, with chants of "one army, one people" echoing in Omdurman, as reported by CNN. The military's successful operation comes amidst claims of severe human rights violations committed by the RSF, drawing attention to the dire need for humanitarian aid in a country already described by the United Nations as experiencing one of the world's worst displacement crises.

As the army continues its efforts to regain lost territories, the recapture of Wad Madani represents not only a critical military advancement but also a potential turning point in helping address Sudan's escalating food security issues. Reports indicate that the fertile land in the region may now open up opportunities for agricultural recovery and assist displaced populations in rebuilding their lives (BBC).

The situation remains fluid as both sides brace for further confrontations, but the recapture of this key city serves as a signal of resilience from the Sudanese armed forces in their ongoing conflict against the RSF.

For more details, refer to the original articles from Le Monde, BBC, CNN, and Al Jazeera.