The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group in Sudan, announced on Thursday that they had seized Nyala, the second largest city in the country. This development could potentially be a significant turning point in Sudan’s six-month war. The seizure of Nyala comes at a crucial time as negotiations between the RSF and the army are set to resume in Jeddah.
The army has not yet responded to the claim, and due to a network blackout, it is challenging to immediately verify the RSF’s statement. While the RSF has gained control over most of the capital, Khartoum, the army has managed to protect its key bases there. The government, on the other hand, has relocated to Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast.
According to the RSF, they have taken over the army’s main headquarters in Nyala and have seized all its equipment. The RSF published videos celebrating their victory, although Reuters could not independently verify the footage. The videos also featured RSF second-in-command Abdelrahim Dagalo, who has been sanctioned by the United States, leading the effort.
Nyala is an important trade hub that could potentially serve as a base for the RSF. The city has been the site of intense fighting, with air and artillery strikes causing significant casualties and destruction of civilian homes and infrastructure. As a result, over 670,000 residents of South Darfur have been displaced from their homes, making it the second worst affected state after Khartoum.
The RSF, primarily operating in the Darfur region, has faced accusations of carrying out ethnic massacres in West Darfur’s capital, Geneina, and exacerbating tensions across the region. In addition to Nyala, the RSF has also taken control of Zalingei, the capital of Central Darfur state. In East Darfur’s capital, El Daein, the RSF has deployed its forces, although the army still maintains its bases there. Meanwhile, fierce battles continue in North Darfur’s El Fasher.
The capture of Nyala by the RSF could have significant implications for the ongoing conflict in Sudan. It demonstrates the group’s growing power and influence, particularly in the Darfur region. The RSF’s control over strategic locations and military assets puts them in a stronger position during negotiations with the army.
The resumption of talks in Jeddah between the RSF and the army will likely be influenced by the recent developments on the ground. The seizure of Nyala by the RSF could potentially give them an upper hand in negotiations, as they now hold a key city and military headquarters. However, it remains to be seen how the army will respond and whether they will launch a counteroffensive to regain control.
The situation in Sudan is complex and volatile, with multiple armed groups vying for power and control. The conflict has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with widespread displacement and loss of life. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely and calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
In conclusion, the seizure of Nyala by the RSF marks a significant development in Sudan’s ongoing war. The capture of the city and military headquarters could potentially give the RSF an advantage in negotiations with the army. However, the situation remains fluid, and it is uncertain how the army will respond. The conflict in Sudan has already caused immense suffering, and a peaceful resolution is urgently needed to address the humanitarian crisis and bring stability to the country.