Sudan war: General Burhan fumes as Wad Madani city falls to rival RSF

Sudan’s army chief has scolded “negligent” commanders following the conquest of Wad Madani, an important city to the army, by the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, RSF.

Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan expressed disappointment as the rival force captured Gezira state’s capital without a fight.

Over 300,000 people have run for safety from Gezira, which was identified to be safer than other places as the eight-month civil conflict rages.

The army vows to investigate the “surprise withdrawal”, which enabled the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to capture Wad Madani.

Report says the RSF, who have been battling the army since April, have taken control of nearly 70% of Sudan’s capital city, Khartoum, including most of western Darfur region.

Wad Madani is a hub for aid operations after situations in Khartoum became more volatile.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, the African Union Commission’s chairman, recently called on Sudan’s Armed Forces and rival Rapid Support Forces, RSF, to immediately cease hostilities and sit for talks aimed at creating and sustaining peace in the war-torn Sudan.

The war in Sudan , according to the United Nations, has forced around seven million people from their homes.

War between the army and the RSF started this year after a disagreement over an internationally backed political transition plan.

According to the UN, more than 12,000 people have been killed and over 33,000 have been injured as a result of the fighting.