The semi-military “Rapid Support Forces” (RSF), opposing the Sudanese army, announced control over Nyala, Sudan’s second largest city, on Thursday, as reported by Reuters.
This control over South Darfur’s capital in western Sudan marks a turning point in the six-month-long war, coinciding with scheduled resumed negotiations in Jeddah.
The army didn’t respond to Reuters’ request for comment, and verification of RSF’s claim was hindered due to communication blackouts.
The army managed to secure its main bases in Khartoum despite RSF’s widespread presence, while the government relocated most of its headquarters to Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast.
RSF stated they seized Nyala’s main army headquarters, confiscating all equipment, sharing a video, unverified by Reuters, of soldiers celebrating by firing shots, claiming base capture.
RSF also released a video of their second-in-command, Abdel Rahim Dagalo, sanctioned by the U.S., alleging he’s leading the efforts.
Nyala witnessed severe fighting waves, with aerial and artillery bombardments killing dozens, destroying civilian homes, and disrupting essential services.
Nyala, a commercial hub, may serve as a base for RSF, say observers, with at least 670,000 people displaced from their homes in South Darfur, the second most affected state after Khartoum.
Accused of an ethnic massacre in West Darfur’s capital, Al-Geneina, RSF, with strong bases in Darfur pockets, have also escalated tensions across the region.
They also controlled Zalingei, Central Darfur’s capital, and spread across Ed Daein, East Darfur’s capital, while the army retained its bases there, amidst fierce battles in El Fasher, North Darfur’s capital.
