
Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has acknowledged that his forces lost control of Wad Madani to General al-Burhan’s forces (SAF) and allied Islamist militias.
In a Saturday audio message shared via Telegram, Dagalo described the setback as temporary, pledging to reclaim the capital of Gezira state and continue the fight for supremacy in the conflict.
“Today we lost a round, but we did not lose the battle,” Dagalo declared, addressing his fighters and supporters. He pledged to “regain all” of the capital of Gezira state, a key supply and logistics hub near Khartoum.
“We have fought for 21 months and are prepared to fight for 21 years. The balance of power will change.”
Allegations of Foreign Involvement
In his audio address, Dagalo accused the SAF of relying on foreign assistance to secure their recent victories. He alleged the involvement of Iranian drones, Egyptian airstrikes using U.S.-made bombs, and fighters from Ethiopia’s Tigray region. Additionally, Dagalo claimed the army had recruited mercenaries from Eritrea, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine to bolster its ranks.
“These forces have been brought in to crush the RSF and impose their dominance,” Dagalo said, calling on international actors to scrutinize the SAF’s alliances.
These allegations introduce a new layer of complexity to the conflict, though Tigrayan forces, notably, have yet to issue any public response regarding their alleged involvement.
Escalation of Tactics
Dagalo noted the challenges posed by SAF airstrikes and chemical barrel bombs, saying his forces have adapted to aerial attacks over the past 21 months. He also alleged that SAF-aligned forces, including the Islamic Movement, were meeting in Omdurman to plan further offensives.
The SAF, meanwhile, continues its military campaign in Darfur, Khartoum, and Al-Jazirah, intensifying bombardments on RSF-held areas.
Strategic and Humanitarian Implications
Since April 2023, the conflict between the SAF and RSF has displaced over 12 million people, with the United Nations describing it as the world’s largest displacement crisis.
Initially, nearly half a million sought shelter in Al-Jazirah, but an RSF offensive in December 2023 displaced over 300,000 more. Humanitarian agencies now warn of limited access to aid in the region as the SAF consolidates its control.
Dagalo admitted the RSF is holding thousands of prisoners but pledged they would face trial, referencing a viral video showing SAF soldiers executing a suspected RSF collaborator. The SAF confirmed the incident and announced an investigation.
As both sides prepare for renewed clashes, the conflict continues to draw regional players into its orbit, raising fears of further destabilization in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East.