Sudan’s Leading Jihadi Group Promises Disbandment After Defeating RSF: A Turning Point in the Conflict

The situation in Sudan is evolving rapidly, particularly with the emergence of militant groups like the al-Bara ibn Malik brigade, which is closely aligned with Sudan’s Islamic movement. This group has gained notoriety for its role in the ongoing conflict, which has intensified since April 2023. Understanding the dynamics of these militant factions is crucial for comprehending the current state of affairs in Sudan.

In Port Sudan, an office operates without any distinctive signage or features, drawing little attention from passersby. Inside, young men dressed in modern attire—often from affluent, upper-middle-class backgrounds—gather. These university graduates, characterized by their clean-shaven faces, are part of the al-Bara ibn Malik brigade, a hardline militant group accused of reviving ideologies that thrived under the dictatorship of Omar al-Bashir, who ruled Sudan from 1989 until his removal in 2019 during a democratic uprising.

Middle East Eye had the opportunity to meet members of the al-Bara ibn Malik brigade, which has been actively fighting alongside the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since the conflict erupted in April 2023. This office, as well as others in cities controlled by the army, plays a significant role in recruiting young individuals and organizing logistics for their movement to battlefields.

• The brigade claims to operate under the command of the SAF, relying on their own resources and support from the army.
• Members insist they have no ambitions for power after defeating the RSF and will disband following the conflict.

The al-Bara ibn Malik brigade takes its name from a notable early Muslim fighter and companion of the Prophet. Originally established as part of the Popular Defence Forces (PDF), which fought for Bashir’s regime against the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), the PDF was dismantled after the uprising in 2019, but it re-emerged in 2023.

Just before the war commenced, members of the al-Bara ibn Malik brigade resurfaced in Khartoum, where they organized Ramadan gatherings and voiced opposition to a framework agreement involving the army, RSF, and the civilian Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) coalition. This agreement was a factor contributing to the outbreak of war, and the brigade’s influence surged once military training camps were established by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan during the summer of 2023.

In an exclusive interview, spokesman Amar Abdul Wahab Sid Ahmed revealed that the number of fighters aligned with the army has now exceeded 20,000. He stated, “Since the first days of the war in Khartoum, youth from various political backgrounds have sought military training at SAF camps to fight against the RSF and defend their families.”

According to Sid Ahmed, the group is rapidly expanding, with its fighters, known as al-Baraoon, committed to countering what they term the “Emirati invasion” of Sudan, referencing the support the UAE provides to the RSF. The al-Bara ibn Malik brigade has gained significant recognition during the conflict, with numerous videos circulated on social media showcasing their engagement in combat alongside the army against the RSF.

• The group’s influence and independent operations have sparked controversy.
• In April, a drone strike on a Ramadan iftar hosted by the brigade resulted in 15 fatalities.
• In June, the brigade’s leader, Al-Misbah Abuzeid Talha, was arrested in Saudi Arabia for meetings with Islamist figures.

The brigade has also adopted a distinctive symbol—a raised index finger—intended to signify their Islamic identity, which has attracted criticism from various civil society groups accusing them of espousing extremist ideologies. This has posed challenges for army chief Burhan, who has acknowledged that the brigade’s visibility and self-identified jihadi stance have diminished international support for the army.

Leaders of the al-Bara ibn Malik brigade assert that they are more jihadist than politically Islamic. They have been involved in intense confrontations along the war’s frontlines in areas including Khartoum, al-Jazira, Sennar, and White Nile states. Sid Ahmed remarked, “It’s evident that the militia [RSF] is collapsing, and it’s only a matter of time before their remaining control is dismantled.” Recent advancements by the SAF have been noted in central and southern Sudan, although the RSF still holds significant territory in Darfur.

In addressing allegations of atrocities committed by the al-Bara ibn Malik brigade, Sid Ahmed refuted these claims, stating, “Al-Bara ibn Malik forces do not have the authority to arrest or detain individuals.” He emphasized their role as guerrilla fighters and attributed accusations of human rights violations to propaganda from the RSF and its supporters.

Despite these denials, the UN has expressed alarm over reports of summary executions allegedly carried out by militia groups allied with the SAF in Khartoum North, specifically implicating the al-Bara ibn Malik brigade. In response, Sid Ahmed maintained that the brigade operates under SAF’s command and adheres to military protocols when engaging with captured individuals.

He clarified, “We do not represent a specific political faction; our singular goal is to defeat the RSF.” He further distanced the group from the National Congress Party (NCP) and expressed their commitment to humanitarian initiatives to assist the civilian population. “Upon successful completion of our mission, the group will be disbanded, and those wishing to continue service in the army or other governmental roles may do so,” he stated.

In conclusion, the al-Bara ibn Malik brigade, with its complex background and increasing prominence in the ongoing conflict, represents a significant player in Sudan’s turbulent political landscape. Their actions and affiliations will continue to shape the dynamics of the war and the future of Sudan.

Mohammed Amin, a journalist specializing in geopolitics and human rights abuses in Sudan and South Sudan, highlights these developments through his extensive reporting. His work has earned recognition, including the Martin Adler Prize awarded by the Rory Peck Trust in November 2022.

Source: Middle East Eye