Sudanese Army’s Statement on Shambat Bridge Destruction: A Desperate Attempt to Polish a Tarnished Image

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Amid ongoing tensions and conflicts in Sudan, the Sudanese Armed Forces released a press statement on Saturday, November 11, 2023, claiming that “rebel militias” had destroyed the Shambat Bridge linking the cities of Omdurman and Bahri. The statement claimed that this act was part of a series of attacks aimed at destroying the country’s infrastructure. However, many sources and analysts question the credibility of this statement, viewing it as part of a propaganda campaign designed to bolster the image of the Sudanese army after a series of military and diplomatic failures.

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Sudanese Army Statement: Allegations of Shambat Bridge Destruction

The General Command of the Sudanese Armed Forces issued an official statement alleging that the rebel militia destroyed the Shambat Bridge at dawn on Saturday. According to the statement, this destruction was a direct result of the army’s advance on the Omdurman front. The statement described this incident as “a new crime added to the militia’s record against the nation and its citizens,” emphasizing that the militias are targeting infrastructure to weaken the state.

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Fabrication of Fake Victories: Response to International and Domestic Pressure

After successive failures on the ground and the loss of international credibility, the Sudanese military resorted to issuing statements promoting fabricated victories. These statements come as the army attempts to restore its prestige and improve its image among the public and the international community. The latest statement about the destruction of the Shambat Bridge is part of this media campaign, with the Sudanese army trying to portray itself as the defender of the nation against what it calls the “rebel militia,” while independent sources report that the situation on the ground has deteriorated in favor of other parties.

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Doubts about the Credibility of the Sudanese Army: Lack of Evidence

Despite the official statement insisting on the destruction, many observers and analysts point to a lack of credible evidence to support it. No photos or videos documenting the destruction of the bridge have been shared by independent media or on social media platforms. This absence of proof increases doubts about the statement’s validity and raises questions regarding the credibility of the military’s narrative.

Journalist Mujahid Bushra published a statement from the Sudanese Armed Forces, calling it false, regarding the destruction of the Shambat Bridge, in which it said:

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In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful General Command of the Armed Forces Saturday, November 11, 2023. As part of their destructive project targeting the country’s resources and infrastructure, and as a result of our forces’ advance on the ground, particularly on the Omdurman front, the rebel militias destroyed the Shambat Bridge linking the cities of Omdurman and Bahri this morning. This is a new crime added to their record against the nation and its citizens.

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Army’s Objective in Issuing the Statement: Image Polishing and Gaining Popular Support

The primary goal of this statement appears to be regaining popular support for the armed forces, which have seen their popularity decline due to repeated field failures and accusations of human rights violations. By accusing the “rebel militias” of destroying vital infrastructure, the army aims to gain the sympathy of citizens and portray the militias as a common enemy seeking to destabilize the country and its security.

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Failures on the Ground: How the Sudanese Army Lost Its Credibility

The Sudanese army has faced significant setbacks on the military front, particularly against the Rapid Support Forces, which have made notable advances on several fronts. These defeats have led the army to fabricate “victories” to boost troop morale and improve its image with the national and international public. Additionally, the army has failed to maintain international support, with growing criticism from human rights organizations regarding violations in civilian areas.

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Media’s Role in Promoting Military Propaganda: Creating an Alternate Reality

Media outlets affiliated with or supportive of the Sudanese army play a key role in promoting these fabricated narratives, amplifying events such as the destruction of the bridge and presenting them as major victories against the “rebel militias.” In the absence of independent coverage of the events, it becomes difficult for citizens to verify the authenticity of these claims. An alternative truth then dominates official discourse, thereby enhancing the army’s ability to polish its image despite the real challenges it faces on the ground.

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The Sudanese army’s statement about the destruction of the Shambat Bridge is merely one more instance in a series of fabricated allegations aimed at improving the army’s image while it suffers from declining credibility both internally and externally. As the army grapples with failures on the ground and diplomatic challenges, it uses the media and propaganda to create fictitious victories. With no reliable evidence to support these claims, the credibility of the Sudanese army remains highly contested, while the Sudanese people continue to bear the consequences of this prolonged and complex conflict.