The al-Bara ibn Malik brigade, the largest jihadi group in Sudan, asserts it will disband following a victory over the RSF. Comprising educated young men from affluent backgrounds, they work under the command of the SAF, claiming a force of over 20,000 fighters. Despite allegations of atrocities, they deny any intent to pursue political power, focusing solely on defeating the RSF, while emphasizing their humanitarian efforts. Their complex role reflects the ongoing turmoil in Sudan’s civil conflict.
In Sudan, the al-Bara ibn Malik brigade, the largest jihadi group, has declared plans to disband after defeating the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Operating discreetly from a nondescript office in Port Sudan, its members, primarily well-educated young men from affluent families, are reportedly aligning under the commands of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) during the ongoing conflict that began in April 2023.
This brigade was established from remnants of the Popular Defence Forces (PDF), known for its militant Islamist ideology. Following the fall of Sudan’s former autocrat Omar al-Bashir in 2019, the PDF was disbanded but resurged in 2023, asserting greater influence as the war against the RSF escalated. The group claims over 20,000 recruits, uniting numerous youths to fight in defense of their communities against the RSF.
Amar Abdul Wahab Sid Ahmed, a spokesman for al-Bara ibn Malik, emphasized the group’s disinterest in political power ambitions, insisting their sole goal is to eradicate the RSF. He presented their operations as solely directed by SAF and emphasized they would disband post-conflict, with no political affiliations. Sid Ahmed also defended the brigade against accusations of violence, portraying their role as protective and humanitarian.
Despite being associated with serious atrocities across Sudan, the brigade claims such accusations stem from propaganda by rival forces. The UN has raised concerns over alleged civilian executions linked to groups allied with the SAF, highlighting the complexity of the situation on the ground amid ongoing humanitarian crises.
As conflicts progress, the al-Bara ibn Malik brigade has gained notoriety, with social media showcasing their engagements against the RSF. Their commitment to combating what they perceive as foreign invasion prompted their rise within broader military narratives surrounding the ongoing civil conflict.
The al-Bara ibn Malik brigade signifies a complex militia dynamic within Sudan’s contemporary conflict landscape. While asserting they will disband post-involvement in the war against the RSF, concerns over their militant activities and alleged human rights violations persist. Their claims of military alignment and humanitarian focus represent an ongoing struggle for legitimacy amidst the chaotic backdrop of Sudan’s political and social upheaval. Ultimately, the group embodies a return to a potent Islamist ideology that many in Sudan fear may resurface following the regime change after Bashir’s ousting. The outcomes remain to be seen as the conflict unfolds further.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
