Cairo News Channel reported in a breaking news story, citing their correspondent, that the Sudanese Army is bombarding positions of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in North Bahri.
It’s noteworthy that the Rapid Support Forces had recently tightened their control over the state of Al Jazirah. Additionally, they have seized control over four of the five states in the Darfur region in western Sudan, along with extensive areas of Khartoum and the Kordofan region.
The recent surge in fighting in Sudan, particularly in its second-largest city, Wad Madani, has led to significant humanitarian crises. The conflict, mainly between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has displaced up to 300,000 people, with nearly half a million fleeing to Al Jazirah state since the conflict began in April. Wad Madani, located southeast of the war-torn capital Khartoum, is known as Sudan’s breadbasket.
The RSF’s assault on Wad Madani marks a new front in the eight-month-old war, previously one of Sudan’s few remaining sanctuaries. The city had been a major hub for people displaced from violence in other regions, including Khartoum. Sudan’s army responded to the RSF attack with airstrikes, while the RSF retaliated with artillery. This conflict has led to significant civilian displacement, with many people having nowhere to go and transportation costs skyrocketing.
The conflict between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces erupted in April, following weeks of tensions due to disagreements over plans to integrate the RSF into the army. This clash occurred at a time when military and civilian parties were finalizing an internationally supported political process.
African mediators have made efforts to resolve the conflict, with both the Sudanese army and the RSF agreeing in principle to a ceasefire and a political dialogue. However, the conflict has continued unabated, with both sides engaged in military campaigns despite these diplomatic efforts. The war originated from disagreements over an internationally backed plan to merge the RSF into the army and transition towards elections after the toppling of former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019.
