General Burhan Attributes the Fall of Wad Madani in Sudan to 'Negligence'

Sudan's army chief, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has criticized commanders over their negligence, following the capture of the strategically important city of Wad Madani by a rival paramilitary group. The army has faced backlash for not putting up a fight to protect Gezira state's capital. More than 300,000 people have fled Gezira, which was previously considered a safe haven during the ongoing civil war. Gen al-Burhan has vowed to hold accountable the commanders responsible for the withdrawal. The army plans to investigate the unexpected pullout, which allowed the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to take control of Wad Madani. The RSF claims to have captured the entire Gezira state, although this is yet to be independently verified. As a result, aid workers are withdrawing from neighboring areas as a precaution. The RSF has been engaged in combat with the army across Sudan since April, leading to the displacement of around seven million people. Many of those fleeing unsafe areas have sought refuge in Gezira and Wad Madani. The capture of Wad Madani has disrupted aid operations, with numerous organizations relocating to different regions. The situation is causing distress for aid workers and civilians, who are uncertain about where to settle and find assistance. The city's telecommunications infrastructure has also been compromised, hindering the monitoring of patients' welfare. Concerns are growing that the RSF may attempt to capture Gedaref, east of Gezira, prompting Islamic Relief Sudan to make contingency plans. The conflict in Sudan has resulted in the largest displacement crisis in the world, while also causing significant destruction in Khartoum and triggering ethnically driven violence in Darfur. The conflict originated from a disagreement over an internationally backed political transition plan, leading to the fracturing of the alliance between the RSF, the army, and civilians.