How strategic is Wad Madani city, retaken by Sudanese army?
Al JazeeraJAN 17
Sudanese Army Condemns Ethnically-Targeted Killings in El Gezira
Above: A view of wrecked cars at the frontline, where clashes between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) take place in Khartoum, Sudan on Dec. 27, 2024. Image copyright: Osman Bakir/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Though violations inevitably occur, the SAF is advancing and the UAE-backed RSF may finally soon be defeated. US sanctions against the genocidal RSF have only further weakened the paramilitary group, and the SAF is capitalizing on this weakness.
Narrative B
The SAF is, yet again, committing war crimes in Sudan. The SAF and allied militias attacked civilians last month, killing dozens of people in the Halfaya area, north of Khartoum. The SAF must be held accountable for its many crimes against the Sudanese people.
Cynical narrative
Though it is clear that the RSF has committed the worst crimes in Sudan, the SAF is not much better, as neither side is interested in a democratic Sudan. The primary driver of conflict in Sudan is foreign intervention and the exploitation of natural resources. Sudan can only find peace when these foreign powers stop meddling in Sudanese affairs.