Sudan war: SAF/RSF fighting reported near El Gezira capital Wad Madani

Military aircraft is circulating above Wad Madani, capital of El Gezira, since the early morning, following attempts by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to infiltrate fuel and gas depots in the area of Um Alila village, 15 kilometres east of the city. Fierce battles reportedly also broke out in the area of Abu Haraz, about 10 kilometres north of Wad Madani.

The sounds of airstrikes and anti-aircraft missiles were heard from afar since 8:00 this morning, the Wad Madani Resistance Committees reported on their Facebook page. Markets and shops in Wad Madani were closed, they stated, though no fighting between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and RSF has been witnessed within the city.

The El Gezira state authorities closed all entrances to the capital this morning, El Taghyeer newspaper reported  on its Facebook page – while Medameek digital news stated that Wad Madani, hosting thousands of displaced from Khartoum, is currently witnessing a wave of displacement towards Sennar, east of El Gezira. “Hundreds of people are trying to get away, on foot, from the clashes.”

The RSF said in a statement about three hours after the attacks that they “would like to reassure people throughout the state of El Gezira, especially in Wad Madani, that their “only goal is to destroy the strongholds of the El Burhan militia and the terrorist remnants of the former regime, which represent legitimate targets”.

Yassir Arman, ex-rebel leader and spokesperson for the Forces for Freedom and Change-Central Council, stated on his account on X (formerly Twitter) that the attack “on the city of Wad Madani is unjustified and a clear violation of the rights and protection of civilians”.

He condemned both the SAF and RSF for the suffering of the people. “Protecting the lives of civilians and their property is an issue that cannot be overlooked or be silent about, whether it comes from the RSF or the SAF. – Stop the attack on the city of Wad Madani, stop the air strikes on Nyala and other cities, and the countryside of Sudan.”

Yesterday morning, an RSF unit invaded Abu Gouta in the northwestern part of of El Gezira. The paramilitaries plundered the Sudanese Agricultural Bank, took control of the town’s police station, and set up posts in a number of neighbourhoods. One civilian was reportedly killed.