It appears that the purported efforts to resolve the disputes between two rival factions have been nothing but a facade. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), engaged in a fierce six-month battle with Sudan’s army for control of the nation, announced their capture of Nyala, the country’s second-largest city.
This significant development in South Darfur state could potentially be a game-changer in the ongoing conflict. It comes at a critical juncture as both sides were scheduled to resume negotiations in Jeddah. However, the army has remained silent regarding this claim, and a network blackout has hindered immediate verification.
While the RSF has established a strong presence in the capital, Khartoum, the army has successfully safeguarded its key bases. Consequently, much of the government has relocated to Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast.
The RSF asserted that they had taken control of the army’s main headquarters in Nyala, along with all its equipment. They released unverified videos depicting their soldiers celebrating the takeover with gunfire and claimed to have overrun the base. RSF’s second-in-command, Abdelrahim Dagalo, who faces sanctions from the United States, was reportedly leading the operation.
Nyala, a vital trade hub, had become the battleground for brutal clashes, marked by air and artillery strikes resulting in casualties, destruction of civilian homes, and disruptions to essential services. The conflict has forced at least 670,000 residents of South Darfur to flee their homes, making it the second most affected state after Khartoum.
The RSF, predominantly influential in parts of the Darfur region, has faced accusations of carrying out ethnic massacres in the capital of West Darfur, Geneina, and exacerbating tensions across the region. Additionally, they have gained control of Zalingei, the capital of Central Darfur state. In the other two state capitals within the region, they have deployed forces to El Daein in East Darfur, though the army retains its presence, while fierce battles continue in El Fasher in North Darfur.
The ongoing madness between these two factions seems unrelenting, leaving many to wonder when and how this protracted conflict will come to an end.
