
SAF leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, is grappling with mounting tensions with the Islamist Movement linked to the global Muslim Brotherhood, raising questions about who might ultimately turn on whom in their uneasy alliance.
Political sources have highlighted signs of eroding trust between al-Burhan and the Brotherhood after nearly two years of war, during which they united against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). However, recent developments suggest that cracks are forming in this once-cooperative relationship.
One Sudanese political source claimed that al-Burhan, now increasingly wary, realized the support he had received from the Brotherhood was not unconditional. According to the source, al-Burhan understands that the group’s backing serves their own interests, and he anticipates they will eventually show their true intentions.
The source further revealed that al-Burhan has surrounded himself with a mix of tribal militias, such as “Sudan Shield” and “Eastern Battalion,” as well as foreign mercenaries, including fighters from Ethiopia’s Tigray region and Eritrea. This is in contrast to the Islamist militias that once formed his inner circle.
In the political chess game, al-Burhan is not alone, as foreign states are backing him to consolidate power, providing him with intelligence, military support, and resources. This external backing puts him in direct opposition to the Brotherhood, which is receiving similar support from external powers determined to see them return to power.
The Islamist Movement, with its militia forces and influence within the SAF, had aimed to maintain control over al-Burhan, hoping to use him as a figurehead, much like they did with former dictator Omar al-Bashir.
However, recent signs suggest that the Brotherhood is growing increasingly concerned about al-Burhan’s potential connections to external powers, particularly the United States, which they fear could lead to an imminent betrayal.
These fears were echoed by Brotherhood cleric Abdel-Hayy Yusuf, who in December described al-Burhan as “untrustworthy” and a “traitor.” Yusuf stated that al-Burhan had attempted to rid himself of the Islamic Movement but was unable to due to its deep-rooted influence, even within his own office.
Political analyst Omar Mohammed Nour firmly believes the relationship between al-Burhan and the Islamic Movement is nearing its end. Nour argues that both sides are vying for sole control of Sudan, much like former dictator Bashir’s experience, where the Islamist Movement exercised real power while al-Burhan was left as a mere figurehead.
The Brotherhood, now controlling the Port Sudan government, has reportedly begun employing similar tactics to those they used with Bashir, mobilizing crowds and sending signals to both domestic and international audiences to disrupt al-Burhan’s political strategy.
Recent reports suggest that the Brotherhood may be considering removing al-Burhan following the imposition of new U.S. sanctions, viewing him as a potential liability to their political agenda, and preferring to rely on the SAF to achieve their long-term goals.