Sudanese Army Reclaims Key Areas in Blue Nile and Sennar Amid Ongoing Conflict
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have recently achieved significant territorial gains in Sennar and Blue Nile states, reclaiming key areas previously held by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Recapture of Mazmum and Al Dali in Sennar State
On March 5, 2025, the SAF successfully regained control of Mazmum, including the base of the 66th Infantry Brigade of the 17th Infantry Division. This area had been under RSF control since July 2024, following the RSF's rapid expansion after seizing Sinja, the capital of Sennar State, and advancing toward the outskirts of Damazin, the capital of Blue Nile State. The SAF's recent operations have also led to the recapture of Al Dali, marking a significant advancement in their efforts to reclaim southwestern Sennar.
A video reviewed by Sudan War Monitor shows SAF soldiers in front of the Al Terafi fuel station in Mazmum, declaring the area free of RSF presence and urging residents to return to their homes. Another video confirms SAF control over the headquarters of Al Dali locality, with soldiers standing in front of the government secretariat in Al Dali, asserting full control of the area.
Advancements in Blue Nile State
In Blue Nile State, the SAF's 4th Infantry Division announced the recapture of Quli and Roro in Al Tadamon locality, areas that had been under RSF control since the previous year. A prior SAF attempt to advance into these regions had resulted in heavy casualties. The division's recent success signifies a strategic victory in the ongoing conflict.
Humanitarian Impact and Ongoing Conflict
The prolonged conflict between the SAF and RSF has led to widespread violence and displacement. The Sennar offensive, initiated by the RSF in June 2024, forced approximately 57,000 people to flee their homes, with many seeking refuge in neighboring states such as Gedaref, Blue Nile, White Nile, and Kassala. The offensive has also threatened large-scale agricultural programs in the nearby provinces, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Despite the SAF's recent territorial gains, the conflict remains ongoing, with both sides continuing to engage in military operations. The situation in Sudan is complex and fluid, with significant implications for the country's stability and the well-being of its civilian population.
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Ituri Under Surveillance
Rising Security Concerns The political fragmentation in eastern DRC continues to threaten the fragile stability of Ituri. The failure of the Doha process and the breakdown of the republican pact could pave the way for a new wave of unrest in the region. On April 22, 2025, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, met with leaders of the Lendu militia CODECO (Cooperative for the Development of the Congo) in Entebbe. Officially, the meeting was convened to address CODECO’s attack on Ugandan military positions in Ituri, a confrontation that adds to past clashes between the group and the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Key Figures and Discussions The CODECO delegation, led by Dunji Kulukpa Etienne (Vice President of the Lendu community), included political and militant representatives. On the Ugandan side, top-ranking officials participated: • General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, CDF • Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, Land Forces Commander • Major General Felix Busizoori, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division • Brigadier General Oscar Munanura, Deputy Assistant Chief of Intelligence and Security Earlier in the week, CODECO leaders had already engaged with Ugandan military commanders. During the Entebbe meeting, Mr. Dunji expressed gratitude for Uganda’s reception and apologized for the Fataki clashes between CODECO and the UPDF. He claimed the militia had been influenced by external forces and emphasized that the Lendu, Balega, and Bahema communities do not view Uganda as an adversary. Dunji also highlighted Ituri’s worsening humanitarian crisis, attributing it to political divisions, while praising Uganda’s contributions in healthcare, refugee assistance, and economic aid. Uganda’s Expanding Influence in Ituri General Kainerugaba reaffirmed Uganda’s historical presence in North Kivu and Ituri, citing counter-insurgency operations dating back to the early 2000s. He urged CODECO leaders to collaborate with the UPDF in pursuit of a lasting peace. As a demonstration of goodwill, Ugandan forces provided free medical care to wounded CODECO fighters. Strategic Implications: A Larger Agenda? While Uganda frames this meeting as a step toward reconciliation, analysts at African Security Analysis suggest a deeper motive. They argue that the gathering was part of a broader effort to integrate CODECO into the militant coalition led by Thomas Lubanga, potentially setting the stage for coordinated offensives in Ituri, particularly targeting Bunia. If confirmed, this would signal a significant shift in the security landscape, with Uganda deepening its influence in Ituri under the guise of conflict resolution. The region remains under scrutiny as stakeholders assess the evolving dynamics.
Strengthening Maritime Security and Navigating Sahelian Integration Challenges
On 23 April, the Peace and Security Council (PSC) will convene its fourth session under the theme “The Imperative of a Combined Maritime Task Force in Addressing Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.” Over the last decade, Gulf of Guinea states have deepened regional cooperation and harnessed digital technologies to bolster Maritime Domain Awareness, driving piracy incidents down from 84 in 2020 to just 18 in 2024. Yet much of this capability rests on platforms developed, financed, and controlled by external partners, leaving coastal states exposed to shifting geopolitical winds.
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