The Truth Perspective: Liberating Al-Jazirah State: Field and Political Calculations

Ibrahim Shglawi

With the developments in the Sudanese war, the battle to liberate Al-Jazirah State, particularly reclaiming control over Wad Madani city, has become a decisive turning point not only in the military context but also in Sudan’s political and economic balance. This battle is not merely a conventional confrontation between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF); it carries deeper dimensions, making it a test of the Sudanese state’s strategy and its ability to rearrange power dynamics both internally and externally. In this article, we aim to delve into these issues in detail to understand the security and political factors driving the significant attention of Sudanese citizens, the state’s leadership, the government, and all observers.

Operational Aspects

The preparation for this operation took considerable time, including continuous follow-up and planning. The Sudanese Armed Forces relied on advanced offensive tactics aimed at exhausting the enemy, exposing its military capabilities, and identifying its weaknesses. This was followed by fire control operations targeting the strategic hubs of the RSF.

This strategy involved intensive use of warplanes and drones, which neutralized the militia’s field commanders and severed communication lines, paralyzing the RSF’s mobility and reducing its ability to maneuver and resupply.

A broad ground advance by the Sudanese army ensued, covering several key axes:

1. Managil Axis: The army made significant breakthroughs, gaining control of strategic villages such as Al-Talha and Al-Waraq.

2. Sinnar Axis: The army secured Al-Haj Abdullah city, increasing pressure on the southern axis leading to Wad Madani.

3. Al-Khayari Axis: Strategic locations like Al-Shibarga and Al-Sharif Yaqub Bridge were captured, placing the RSF in a weak defensive position and exposing them to direct artillery fire.

The decisive role played by airstrikes and drones was evident, as they executed precise strikes targeting RSF gatherings and supply lines, weakening its organizational capacity and leading to the collapse of its leadership structure.

This carefully planned approach significantly enhanced the army’s position, giving it superiority in intelligence and enabling advances through reconnaissance units. These units played a crucial role in special operations and enemy infiltration, leaving the RSF preoccupied and incapacitated. The RSF, which had previously used Al-Jazirah as a base for its violations, now faces clear internal disintegration. Many of its field leaders were lost in direct sniper operations and airstrikes, isolating the remaining elements in scattered pockets.

Moreover, the destruction of supply routes across regional borders, particularly from Chad and other informal corridors, has placed the RSF under a severe strategic siege.

Political Dimensions

From a political standpoint, liberating Wad Madani holds significant sovereignty symbolism. As the heart of Al-Jazirah State, the city represents a strategic hub linking central Sudan to its eastern and western regions, in addition to connecting it to the capital, Khartoum. Regaining control of the city does not merely secure vital routes but also thwarts the RSF’s and its supporters’ attempts to impose a new political reality through the establishment of a pseudo-civilian administration.

This attempt was part of the Declaration of Principles signed in Addis Ababa in February 2023 between the RSF and the Civil Forces Coordination, which proposed forming a civilian authority and defining post-war scenarios. Other provisions, such as protecting civilians and opening humanitarian corridors, remained unimplemented.

Regional and International Dimensions

The liberation of Wad Madani comes amid increasing international focus on the Sudanese conflict. Recent U.S. sanctions on RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo “Hemedti” and his economic companies mark a shift in the international stance, reflecting global awareness of the conflict’s threat to regional security.

Restoring control over Al-Jazirah State provides an opportunity to pressure the RSF into potential agreements, such as the Turkish initiative aimed at facilitating Sudan-Emirati cooperation to halt RSF access to weapons and fighters.

The Road Ahead

Despite the military victories in Al-Jazirah State and the rapid steps to reclaim Wad Madani, the road to Sudan’s stability requires multidimensional efforts. Everyone must recognize that the success of Wad Madani’s liberation offers an opportunity to enhance the Sudanese state’s political legitimacy and pave the way for comprehensive stability and security restoration.

Socially, the liberation of Al-Jazirah opens the door for displaced persons to return and rebuild the social fabric disrupted by the war.
Economically, securing Wad Madani contributes to the recovery of the Al-Jazirah Project, reopening key trade routes connecting central Sudan to its eastern and western regions. This, in turn, boosts economic recovery and restores peace and security.

Conclusion

From our perspective, the battle to liberate Al-Jazirah State represents a real test of Sudan’s ability to overcome the challenges of war and rebuild its national sovereignty.

Success in this battle requires an integrated vision that combines decisive military action, astute political management, and the effective use of regional and international support. If this achievement is wisely leveraged, the liberation of Wad Madani could mark the true beginning of ending the RSF rebellion and building a new, secure, and stable Sudan.

Best regards,
Saturday, January 11, 2025
Shglawi55@gmail.com