Sudan's Army Chief, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has publicly criticized "negligent" commanders and pledged to hold them accountable following the capture of the strategic city of Wad Madani by a rival paramilitary group. The army has faced criticism for not putting up a fight and allowing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to take control of Gezira state's capital.

The fall of Wad Madani has resulted in over 300,000 people fleeing from Gezira, which was once considered a safe haven during the eight-month civil war. The RSF claims to have captured the entire Gezira state, but the information remains unverified by the BBC.

In response to the "surprise withdrawal" that facilitated the RSF's takeover of Wad Madani, the army has announced an investigation. Gen al-Burhan emphasized that those responsible for the withdrawal will face consequences without leniency.

As the conflict escalates, aid workers have been evacuating neighboring areas in case the fighting spreads. The RSF, who have been in conflict with the army since April, currently control nearly 70% of Sudan's capital, Khartoum, as well as most of the western Darfur region.

The capture of Wad Madani has caused panic among the civilian population, with residents describing the city as a "ghost town." Displaced people who had found refuge in Wad Madani are now forced to move again, adding to their trauma and uncertainty.

Wad Madani not only sheltered displaced individuals but also served as a hub for aid operations since the beginning of the conflict. Now, with the RSF in control, many aid groups have relocated to other regions. Medical charity EMERGENCY NGO has reported difficulties in tracing the whereabouts and ensuring the well-being of their patients in Wad Madani due to poor telecommunications.

The situation has prompted large-scale displacement, with civilians and aid workers fleeing to Gedaref, Sennar, and White Nile states. There are concerns that the RSF may continue to expand their control and target Gedaref as well. Islamic Relief Sudan Director Elsadig Elnour expresses alarm and states that preparations are being made to relocate staff from Gedaref.

The ongoing war in Sudan has displaced approximately seven million people, leading the United Nations to designate it as the world's largest displacement crisis. The conflict has devastated Khartoum, caused a humanitarian catastrophe, and triggered ethnically-driven killings in Darfur.

As Sudan battles with escalating violence and displacement, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population.

[Additional reporting by BBC Arabic's Mohamed Osman]