Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), commander of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has declared the capture of Wad Madani, the strategic capital of the Al Jazirah state, as a “new historical victory.” In a statement on Tuesday, he asserted that the RSF successfully “liberated the 1st Infantry Division’s command and the city of Wad Madani from the remnants of the deposed regime (referring to the army forces led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan).”
After four days of fighting, the RSF officially announced its complete control over Wad Madani and the bridge over the Blue Nile, which divides the country’s second-largest city. Videos showed RSF soldiers inside the last army fortifications in the city (the 1st Infantry Division headquarters), which was deserted after the army’s departure.
In his first statement signed since the war began in April, Hemedti claimed his forces moved toward the 1st Infantry Division based on precise intelligence, suggesting a large force gathering to attack the RSF in Khartoum. He described the successful pre-emptive attacks as expanding the liberated territory from the control of old regime supporters.
The RSF released footage from inside the 1st Infantry Division’s headquarters on Tuesday, stating that only six of their soldiers entered the deserted army command.
The Sudanese army has not provided an explanation for the events in Wad Madani or the reasons behind its withdrawal. Witnesses reported the army’s retreat towards Sennar state, while others said parts of the forces headed to Al Manaqil city. Accusations of “betrayal” have been raised among army supporters, calling for the dismissal of the army chief and holding him responsible for the battle’s loss.
Hemedti pledged to leave Wad Madani and Al Jazirah state administration to local leaders not aligned with the old regime. He instructed his forces to avoid attacking civilians or damaging public and private properties.
Hemedti expressed his readiness to cooperate with democratic revolutionary forces to build a new Sudan based on foundational principles, including forming a new professional army subordinate to civilian government. He emphasized that the RSF does not intend to replace the Sudanese army or become an alternative authority to the government that collapsed on April 15.
Former Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok, now head of the “Civil Forces Coordination (Taqadum),” called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and urged both warring parties to fulfill their international humanitarian law responsibilities in protecting civilians and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian aid access. He appealed to the people and active forces to rally around civilian efforts to stop the war and resume the democratic transition towards establishing a democratic civil state.