Sudanese Army Says It Repelled Rebel Attack in Blue Nile Region

Ed Damazin, April 29, 2026 - The Sudanese army said Tuesday it repelled a renewed attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, in Sudan’s Blue Nile region. According to a statement from the army’s 4th Infantry Division, fighting erupted on the outskirts of the Sali area along the southern axis, where government forces, supported by allied units, pushed back the assault and inflicted heavy losses on the attacking forces. The army said it seized 10 combat vehicles in usable condition and destroyed more than 15 others during the clashes. Military operations in southeastern Sudan have intensified since March, following a large offensive by RSF and SPLM-N forces that led to the capture of the strategic border town of Kurmuk and nearby areas. The renewed fighting has contributed to a rapid deterioration in humanitarian conditions across the region. Residents report increasingly frequent clashes and expanded use of drones, which have heightened insecurity in both rural and urban areas. The escalation has also triggered new waves of displacement, with thousands of civilians fleeing toward the regional capital, Ed Damazin, where overcrowded shelters are struggling to absorb the growing number of displaced families. Conclusion The period between April 12 and 29, 2026, highlights a Sudan caught between intensified internal restructuring and a complex international diplomatic landscape. Domestically, the Sudanese military has undergone significant leadership changes aimed at consolidating command as the conflict enters its third year. Simultaneously, political alliances such as the Democratic Block are attempting to broaden their national representation to establish a viable path toward stability. On the international stage, the crisis has become increasingly "internationalized," with major conferences in Berlin and Antalya seeking to mobilize humanitarian aid and build political momentum for de-escalation. While civilian groups have successfully adopted a joint peace roadmap, the exclusion of government authorities from key forums remains a point of contention that may challenge the effectiveness of these initiatives. Economically, the country remains in a fragile state despite a slowing inflation rate and surging artisanal gold revenues. Massive industrial damage, a looming collapse of the strategic sugar sector, and a sharp depreciation of the national currency continue to erode the quality of life for the Sudanese population. These economic hardships are further exacerbated by a collapsing healthcare system, now struggling to contain simultaneous outbreaks of dengue fever and measles. Ultimately, while the introduction of new UN sanctions and the defection of key paramilitary commanders signal shifting dynamics, a lasting resolution remains dependent on unifying fragmented international efforts and prioritizing national interests over external interference. The restoration of state institutions and the successful re-engagement with global financial entities like the World Bank will be critical prerequisites for any meaningful reconstruction and long-term peace. By Jeff Buleli