The Face of Truth: Wad Madani: Not a Deal but Sweat and Blood?!
Ibrahim Shiglawi
By observing the progression of the war in Sudan and its regional and international repercussions, the liberation of Wad Madani on January 12, 2025, from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) marks a major turning point. This military event signifies a decisive shift in the trajectory of Sudan’s conflict, reflecting a change in the balance of power within the country. The military operation, through which the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) regained control of the city via multiple axes and after complex preparation leveraging expertise and terrain knowledge, was not merely a recovery of a strategic area. Instead, it symbolizes a redefinition of the Sudanese military and political landscape, affirming Sudan’s ability to assert its sovereignty despite immense challenges.
The liberation of Wad Madani demonstrated the army’s capability to manage a sophisticated battle preceded by an intricate intelligence operation. The operation incorporated multifaceted strategies, including tactical maneuvers aimed at depleting the enemy. These began with dismantling RSF’s communication and jamming systems and included aerial landings behind enemy lines that effectively isolated the militia’s leadership inside the city from external reinforcements. However, the deeper implications of this victory lie in its political and economic significance. Being the heart of Sudanese agriculture, Wad Madani’s liberation means reclaiming a vital part of the economy that was under threat. This will contribute to rebalancing the country’s resources, particularly as Sudan prepares for an agricultural season expected to enhance production and food availability.
The RSF, which relied on swift assaults, relentless attacks, and violence to achieve its goals, has entered a phase of collapse. The militia failed to secure popular support or even a local base, with their supposed administration in Al-Jazeera State evaporating into thin air. Field developments indicate that the militia’s chapter is closing. The victory in Wad Madani represents a critical juncture between the militia’s ambitions and its downfall. The spontaneous celebrations that swept Sudanese cities and even areas beyond Sudan sent a clear message: the people stand united behind their army in the pursuit of security and peace. This served as a resounding blow to regional and local supporters of the militia, who had bet on chaos and terrorizing civilians but failed to account for this deep-rooted popular solidarity with the army. Their decision to expand the war beyond Khartoum and resort to foreign mercenaries was a strategic error that led to their internal and external isolation.
Claims that the liberation of Wad Madani was achieved through a deal are nothing more than attempts to sow confusion and undermine public joy over this genuine national achievement—one secured through battlefield sweat and the blood of martyrs. The militia’s allies within the “Progressive” Civil Forces Coordination are promoting such allegations, reflecting their failure after their political project—reliant on regional support and aimed at forming a government under the guise of legitimacy removal—crumbled. In reality, the liberation was achieved with force and valor, and the notion of a deal exists only in their disgraceful imagination and false rhetoric. These desperate political gambits aim solely to sow doubt and weaken national unity. Therefore, it is vital to recognize that such allegations serve narrow agendas designed to undermine security and political stability.
The Sudanese army’s victory in liberating Wad Madani signifies a strategic development with regional and international implications. Regionally, this victory raises questions about the positions of neighboring countries that either ignored or remained neutral in Sudan’s crisis. Some provided direct support in the form of money, weapons, and foreign fighters, prolonging the war and exposing their attempts to destabilize Sudan and exploit its resources. These developments highlight that Sudan will not forget the betrayal of some neighbors, just as it will not forget the solidarity of its friends.
As for international and regional initiatives aimed at “mediating” between the Sudanese government and the militia, they have lost their effectiveness as the army gains ground and secures victories. For instance, Turkey’s initiatives, despite its regional influence, face challenges in repositioning themselves amid the new realities on the ground. Similarly, the Jeddah platform, which some international forces hoped to leverage for imposing compromises, no longer appears suitable in light of the new balance of power. This opens the door for a comprehensive review of the international community’s stance on the war in Sudan.
The role of the media in shaping international public opinion on the Sudanese war—a clear rebellion by a militia against state authority—cannot be overlooked. However, the failure of some media outlets to present this conflict correctly has caused significant harm, misrepresenting the responsibilities of those involved. The inability to define the war as a conflict between a state and insurgents amounts to deliberate misinformation, which has exacerbated confusion and let down the Sudanese people.
From this perspective, the liberation of Wad Madani underscores that the path to restoring security and peace in our country lies in unity and national sovereignty, free from external interventions. Sudan’s destiny rests in the hands of its people and its army, not in the hands of regional or international forces. The future demands independent policies and more mature global stances toward Sudan’s issues. Moreover, there is a pressing need to reformulate the national media narrative to accurately reflect Sudan’s reality, free from coercion and efforts to distort awareness, in preparation for the rebuilding phase.
Stay well and safe.
Sunday, January 12, 2025
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