Islamists in a blatant challenge to the army leaders
Who Holds the Power to End the War in Sudan?
Islamists in a blatant challenge to the army leaders : Who Holds the Power to End the War in Sudan? – Khartoum Highlight
Since the outbreak of Sudan’s war on April 15, 2023, the Islamic Movement’s media strategy was carefully prepared. Through coordinated media rooms, platforms, and a large pool of journalists—some sent abroad before the conflict—the group promoted a false narrative. It claimed that the war was initiated by civilian forces allied with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to seize power.
These media operations flooded the public with misleading content about the origins of the conflict and who fired the first shot. Manipulating the truth through repetition until public opinion leaned toward supporting continued war.
After the first shot was fired by the Muslim Brotherhood’s military wing inside the army. “As shown in televised footage broadcast by Sudan TV itself”—the army was drawn into the conflict. Soon, Islamist militias rallied behind the army command. Armed groups loyal to the Brotherhood, labeled terrorist organizations by the “Somoud” coalition. It emerged on the battlefield, gaining growing media visibility.
Recruitment drives were launched within these militias rather than the army. With leaders like the commander of Al-Baraa Bin Malik militia announcing plans to expand into a full corps. These militias, well-armed with advanced weaponry. Reportedly operated drones independently—according to a SAF officer who confirmed that Al-Baraa fighters were overseeing drone operations.
Islamists Step Into the Spotlight
Islamist leaders began asserting themselves openly, relying on the strength of their fighters on the ground. Their statements became increasingly bold. Sanaa Hamad Al-Awad, a prominent figure of the dissolved party, declared from her luxury residence in Turkey that the Islamic Movement would not object to negotiating with Hemedti to end the war—arguing that they were obliged to consider this option.
Similarly, another cadre, Amer Hassan Abbas, appeared on Al Jazeera Mubasher from Turkey boasting of their role in derailing the Manama Agreement signed between Army Deputy Commander Shams Al-Din Kabbashi and RSF Deputy Commander Abdulrahim Dagalo. Journalist Muzamil Abu Al-Qasim revealed the deal’s existence in a leak allegedly provided by Islamist hardliners within the army, according to Somoud leader Sharif Mohamed Osman.
All these statements suggest that the decision to end the war lies in the hands of the Islamic Movement itself, to be used only when it aligns with their interest in regaining power and excluding the December Revolution forces—according to political analyst Anwar Suleiman, speaking to Khartoum Highlight.
Al-Haj Adam’s Contradictory Messages
On Saturday, Al-Haj Adam Yousif, deputy of ousted president Omar Al-Bashir, told Al Jazeera Mubasher that they had no objection to ending the war. Yet, collective memory recalls his threat during Ramadan 2023—when the war first erupted—that he would ignite conflict if the Framework Agreement was signed. His remarks then, made at an Islamist Iftar gathering, contradict his latest position.
Suleiman argues that Islamists currently enjoy wide political space, benefiting from their declared alliance with the army leadership. However, he cautioned that they could easily retract or disown their own statements if pressured by public opinion.
Islamist Defiance and Control
In recent days, former party strongman Nafie Ali Nafie reiterated calls for a total military defeat of the RSF. In a direct challenge to army leaders who signed the Jeddah Agreement and initialed the Manama Agreement. He dismissed any talk of settlements as a ploy to preserve the RSF and restore its civilian allies. These positions underline that the Islamic Movement is a central player in shaping Sudan’s war decisions. Despite internal contradictions on whether to stop the war. One reality stands out: the decision over war and peace in Sudan rests firmly in Islamist hands, Suleiman concluded in his remarks to Khartoum Highlight.
