Sudanese military refutes RSF leader claims of victories in West Darfur

The Sudanese military has refuted General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo's assertions of victories in Omdurman and Babanusa within West Darfur state by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

In a statement issued on Monday evening, the spokesperson for the army denounced the audio recording circulated on social media by the RSF leader as "fabricated."

The statement accused General Mohamed of spreading "falsehoods" and "misinformation."

The statement further claimed that RSF forces have suffered "heavy losses" in recent clashes with the army.

"The militia leader's claims are false and contradict the reality on the ground," the statement stated, stressing that the RSF has been "defeated" in recent battles.

In an audio recording released on Sunday night, the General announced an intensification of hostilities against the army, asserting victories in the Mohandiseen area of Omdurman and Babanusa.

He also forecasted a rapid resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Shortly after General Mohamed's audio message, the Sudanese army countered with videos depicting their troops in control of the Mohandiseen area and claimed dominance over the Babanusa region.

Millions displaced

The conflict has displaced millions and pushed them to the edge of famine, marking one of the world's direct humanitarian crises.

With over nine months of clashes between the military and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, nearly five million individuals are now on the brink of starvation.

The United Nations last Friday warned that the war could leave over 700,000 children severely malnourished this year, warning tens of thousands could die unless aid was dramatically increased.

The United Nations children's agency UNICEF urged the world to stop turning a blind eye to the catastrophe sparked by the 10-month civil war.

"The consequences of the past 300 days means that more than 700,000 children are likely to suffer from the deadliest form of malnutrition this year," spokesman James Elder told reporters in Geneva.

The UN appealed for $4.1 billion to assist civilians inside Sudan and those who have fled abroad as refugees.

Of that, UNICEF requested $840 million to help reach 7.6 million of the most vulnerable children.