
Tensions are rising between Sudan’s Islamic Movement (Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood) and the Sudan Shield militia after violent incidents in Gezira state, despite their shared alliance with General al-Burhan’s (SAF) against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The conflict follows reports of massacres in Wad Madani and the surrounding Kanabi region. The Islamic Movement, closely linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, has sought to distance itself from these atrocities, shifting blame to the Sudan Shield militia.
Sources indicate that the Islamists are alarmed by their waning influence within the SAF, as Sudan Shield leader Abu Aqla Kikal reportedly strengthens ties with army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
Kikal, whose forces are backed by military intelligence and SAF leadership, has received weapons and funding directly from Burhan, signaling a shift away from Islamist-aligned militias.
Burhan’s Strategy
Burhan is reportedly working to curtail the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood and its allied militias within the SAF, aiming to assert greater independence over military decisions.
Islamist factions have responded by blaming Kikal’s forces for recent violence in Gezira, accusing them of war crimes against civilians.
Islamist-linked social media accounts have circulated videos and reports alleging Sudan Shield’s involvement in the atrocities. In response, Sudan Shield issued a statement denying responsibility, asserting that its forces had withdrawn from Wad Madani after the SAF entered the city.
The group emphasized its loyalty to the SAF and adherence to orders, including the transfer of security responsibilities to police and intelligence services.
Political Analysis
Political analyst Omar Mohammed Nour told media that most atrocities in Gezira were likely committed by Islamist militias fighting alongside the SAF. “Videos document the involvement of Islamist fighters in these crimes, which mirror past atrocities by Brotherhood-aligned militias,” Nour said.
Nour argued that the Islamic Movement seeks to both absolve its militias of blame and sever ties between Kikal and Burhan, aiming to regain control over SAF decision-making.
Emerging Rift
Political sources suggest that tensions between Burhan and the Islamic Movement over control of military decision-making are becoming increasingly visible.
This growing rift raises questions about who will emerge dominant as the SAF seeks to consolidate power amid Sudan’s ongoing conflict.