The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, engaged in a conflict with Sudan’s army for control of the nation, declared the capture of Nyala, Sudan’s second-largest city, on Thursday.
The capture of the South Darfur state’s capital in the western part of the country may represent a significant turning point in Sudan’s six-month-long conflict, and this development aligns with the upcoming negotiations set to recommence in Jeddah.
The army refrained from providing a comment in response to the request, while a network blackout added complexity to promptly authenticate the assertion.
Although the Rapid Support Forces have established a significant presence throughout most of the capital, Khartoum, the army has successfully safeguarded its vital installations in the city. Concurrently, a considerable portion of the government has relocated to Port Sudan, situated along the Red Sea coast.
In an official statement, the Rapid Support Forces asserted that they had assumed control of the army’s primary headquarters in Nyala and confiscated all associated equipment. They also shared a video, the authenticity of which Reuters was unable to confirm, depicting their soldiers celebrating with gunfire while asserting the capture of the base.
Furthermore, the RSF has gained authority over Zalingei, the capital of Central Darfur state. In the case of the remaining two state capitals within the region, the RSF has positioned its forces throughout East Darfur’s capital, El Daein, though the army still maintains its installations there. Meanwhile, intense conflicts persist in North Darfur’s El Fasher.