Former Sudanese intelligence chief Salah Gosh is reportedly mobilising a new armed militia amid the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces.
Political sources say Gosh is using politician Mohamed Sayed Ahmed Al-Jakomi as a front, presenting the force as representing northern Sudan, while it remains a strictly Islamist militia.
The United States sanctioned Gosh in December 2023 for undermining peace, with the European Union following suit in September 2024 and renewing sanctions this month.
On July 25, Al-Jakomi declared he would train 50,000 fighters, claiming approval from Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki to establish training camps within Eritrea.
He visited Asmara on August 18, sharing photos with Afwerki, and insisted arrangements were in place for sequential training batches of recruits.
Local activists report widespread rejection of the militia in northern Sudan, citing Al-Jakomi’s close ties to Gosh during his tenure at the National Intelligence and Security Service.
A defector from the Sudan Liberation Movement said Gosh previously used Al-Jakomi to influence political forces and maintain hidden control despite being ousted after the 2020 Juba Peace Agreement.
Al-Jakomi denied acting on Gosh’s behalf, calling accusations “idiotic,” but later acknowledged Eritrean training plans before claiming the forces now operate under army command.
Military sources in Port Sudan confirmed Al-Jakomi’s mission concluded, while a retired officer said Gosh remains active through associates, managing investments including fuel, gold, and factories in Sudan and Egypt.
Security reports indicate Gosh and eight former officers are supervising troop training in Eritrea, using the Sawa training centre in Gash Barka, though sources noted logistical obstacles.
Despite challenges, sources confirm progress on the training camp, signalling Gosh’s continued influence in Sudan’s security and military affairs as regional and international efforts strive to restore peace.
