Liberation of Sennar: Countdown to the Cleansing of Madani

At 1:00 AM on Saturday, Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied forces stormed the city of Sennar after a fierce battle at the entrance to the Sennar Bridge (Wad Al-Eis). While residents in Sennar and nearby states were performing their dawn prayers, the Sudanese army announced the liberation of the city from the clutches of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) mercenaries and terrorists. Streets were littered with the bodies of the RSF fighters, and the remnants of the militia fled toward Abuhajar and the southern border, leaving behind their dead and military equipment.

The RSF had seized control of Sennar in early July, infiltrating from Jabal Moya in the south. Although the SAF later reclaimed Jabal Moya and retained control over Sennar city to the north, Sennar remained under RSF control until this operation.

Following the liberation of Sennar, the SAF encircled the city after securing Dinder and Al-Suki. Feeling the end was near, RSF elements attempted to negotiate surrender and safe passage to South Sudan. However, the SAF firmly rejected the offer, emphasizing their commitment to reclaiming the city by force.

Later, the RSF reluctantly acknowledged the loss of Sennar, issuing a subdued statement via their official page on Platform X, claiming they had “withdrawn.”

The SAF’s official spokesperson celebrated the victory, dedicating the liberation of Sennar and the restoration of the 17th Infantry Division to the resilient Sudanese people. The statement reaffirmed the army’s determination to cleanse every inch of Sudan from the RSF’s criminal presence, restoring peace and sovereignty.

Colonel Abbadi Al-Taher Al-Zain, commander of the liberation forces in Sennar, delivered the news of victory from the Sennar State Government headquarters. He confirmed the SAF and its allies had expelled the RSF from Sennar through decisive force, leaving many RSF fighters dead.

In a recorded video, Colonel Abbadi declared, “Wherever they go, we will follow.” He reiterated prior warnings to RSF elements, recalling: “After liberating Dinder, we told those in Sennar to prepare for the army’s arrival.” Addressing the people of Sudan, Abbadi vowed to secure justice and urged the governor of Sennar State to take over his administrative responsibilities, saying, “This is your government’s headquarters—come and take it.” He concluded by promising that the next battle would be in Madani.

Sennar witnessed intense fighting over two days as the SAF advanced on RSF positions from three directions. An SAF officer revealed to Al-Jazeera that the forces encircled the city from the east via Dinder, from the south via Al-Damazin, and from the west via Sennar city, passing through Mayirno.

Early Saturday, warplanes conducted heavy strikes on RSF positions in Sennar, paving the way for ground forces to cross the Sennar Bridge and reclaim key areas, including the 17th Infantry Division headquarters. SAF forces inflicted heavy casualties on the RSF, seized military assets, and forced the militia to retreat toward Roro in Blue Nile State.

Sudanese government spokesperson and Minister of Information Khalid Al-Eisaer congratulated the people of Sudan on the liberation of Sennar. He vowed that justice would be served and all those responsible for crimes would face accountability.

In a press release, Al-Eisaer lauded the resilience of the Sudanese people and the steadfastness of their armed forces and security agencies. He emphasized the unwavering trust in the SAF as a pillar of unity and a guardian of national sovereignty, expressing confidence in continued victories that will restore stability across Sudan.

Political analyst Ibrahim Shaglawy shared his perspective, describing the liberation of Sennar as a milestone. Militarily, it secures key areas in eastern Sudan, deters RSF threats, and aids in restoring peace and stability. He highlighted the SAF’s strategy of delayed offensives to weaken the enemy, which has proven effective throughout the conflict.

Politically, the victory marks a step toward the return of displaced residents to their homes under safer conditions, bolstering public confidence in state institutions. Shaglawy added that the liberation undermines calls for international intervention and enhances the SAF’s reputation as a protector of national sovereignty.

News of Sennar’s liberation sparked jubilant celebrations across Sudan, including in River Nile, Gedaref, and Sennar states. Displaced residents of Sennar expressed their overwhelming joy at the news, marking the city’s liberation as a significant step toward peace and justice.