
Sudanese politicians have accused elements of the dissolved National Congress Party (NCP) and the Islamist Movement (Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood) of exacerbating the war in Sudan and obstructing mediation efforts aimed at halting a conflict that has ravaged the country and left it on the brink of collapse.
Militias Linked to Former Regime
The remnants of former dictator Omar al-Bashir’s regime, including various militias, remain active on the battlefield. Armed groups such as “Al-Baraa bin Malik,” “Popular Resistance,” and “Special Operations” reportedly operate under the leadership of figures tied to the NCP and the Islamist Movement. Analysts suggest these factions play a central role in the ongoing violence.
Babikir Faisal, a leading member of the Coordination of Civilian Democratic Forces, emphasized that these groups represent a significant obstacle to ending Sudan’s crisis. “Their armed militias undermine all initiatives to resolve the conflict, including the recent Turkish proposal for peace,” Faisal said.
Opposition to Negotiations
Efforts to engage in peace talks have faced staunch opposition from Islamist factions. According to Faisal, “Whenever General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan shows openness to international and regional mediation, Islamist groups launch campaigns accusing him of weakness and betrayal.”
Faisal accused the NCP of instigating the war to reclaim power and derail Sudan’s democratic transition. He further alleged that figures wanted by the International Criminal Court, including Bashir, enjoy immunity and protection from General al-Burhan’s forces (SAF).
Deep Influence Within the Military
Political analyst Omar Mohamed Nour warned that Islamist elements deeply entrenched within Sudan’s military command structure heavily influence decisions regarding the conflict. “General Burhan cannot act independently of their political agenda,” Nour said, citing remarks by Islamic Movement leader Abdel Hay Yusuf, who claimed Islamists hold positions even within Burhan’s office.
Nour argued that Islamist militias drive the fighting in hotspots such as Khartoum, Gezira, and Omdurman. Their objective, he said, is to reassert their political vision, regardless of the human or territorial cost.
Rejection of Turkish Peace Initiative
In a surprising move, the leader of the “Al-Baraa bin Malik” militia, Misbah Abu Zeid Talha, publicly rejected the Turkish peace proposal aimed at ending the war. On his social media account, Talha dismissed any possibility of negotiations, asserting that “military resolution” is the only path forward.
Turkish officials recently presented the initiative during a visit to Port Sudan, where General Burhan reportedly expressed openness to the plan. However, Talha’s comments underscore the challenges in achieving consensus among Sudan’s warring factions.
A Nation on the Brink
The war has displaced over six million Sudanese, with fears growing over the potential for further fragmentation of the country. Critics of the Islamist movement have called for its designation as a terrorist organization, citing its role in prolonging the conflict and fostering a climate of hate and division.
As the fighting intensifies, analysts warn that Islamist factions aim to entrench their influence, even if it comes at the cost of Sudan’s unity and stability.