Sudan’s military has functioned as the country’s largest political party since independence, deeply entangled with Muslim Brotherhood in a bond akin to a “Catholic marriage,” according to Dr. Alaa El-Din Nugud.
Speaking on the social media platform X via the “Sena Space” forum, Nugud, a prominent political figure, provided a critical assessment of Sudan’s ongoing war, the fragmentation of opposition forces, and the challenges facing a civilian government.
Opposition Divisions and the Future of Civilian Rule
Addressing the recent split within the Coordination Body of the Democratic and Civil Forces (Tagadom), Nugud expressed disappointment but insisted that internal disagreements should not derail broader efforts to end the war and restore Sudan’s 2019 revolution. He dismissed the current Port Sudan-based authority as illegitimate, arguing that its removal is essential for halting the conflict.
The primary rift within Tagadom, Nugud explained, stems from differing views on General al-Burhan’s Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). While some factions regard the army as a national institution, Nugud insists it has been fully co-opted by Islamist elements—a reality he sees as central to the country’s crisis.
The Military and Islamist Influence
Nugud reaffirmed his belief that the SAF has served as a tool of Islamist rule since the 1989 coup that brought former dictator Omar al-Bashir to power. He described the SAF’s relationship with Sudan’s Islamist movement as an inseparable alliance, arguing that this dynamic has fueled decades of instability.
According to Nugud, the current conflict is not merely a military struggle but a political maneuver by Islamist factions attempting to regain control. He accused the international community of recognizing the role of former ruling party elements in prolonging the war yet failing to hold the Sudanese military accountable.
Plans for a Civilian Government
Tagadom is preparing to announce a civilian government, Nugud revealed, rejecting claims that it would serve as a proxy for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Instead, he described it as a mechanism to challenge the legitimacy of the Port Sudan administration and move toward ending the war.
The proposed government, he said, has secured backing from international partners and humanitarian organizations and has devised a six-month emergency plan aimed at stabilizing Sudan’s healthcare system. It also intends to ensure humanitarian aid reaches all parts of the country, including areas controlled by the SAF, while curbing smuggling and corruption in aid distribution.
Military Escalation and Regional Diplomacy
Nugud warned that SAF and its Islamist allies might escalate military operations in response to the civilian government’s formation, underscoring that the country’s turmoil is primarily a political battle.
On the diplomatic front, he noted that the Sudanese military and its foreign ministry are seeking recognition from the upcoming African Union summit. However, he suggested that international patience is wearing thin, with growing pressure on Sudanese civilian forces to act decisively.
Concluding his remarks, Nugud acknowledged the immense challenges facing the civilian leadership, describing positions within the new government as akin to “hot coals” rather than coveted political prizes. He urged Sudan’s civilian leaders to embrace their responsibilities, warning that failure to act decisively could further deepen the country’s divisions.
