General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the leader of Sudan’s Armed Forces (SAF), is grappling with escalating tensions with the Islamist Movement linked to the global Muslim Brotherhood, as their once-allied relationship begins to show signs of fracture.
Political sources have indicated that trust between al-Burhan and the Brotherhood, who united against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) nearly two years ago, is starting to erode. The alliance, once based on mutual interest, is now being tested by shifting dynamics on the ground and external pressures.
One Sudanese political figure claimed al-Burhan, increasingly distrustful, has come to realize the Brotherhood’s support was driven by their own objectives, not loyalty. The source explained that al-Burhan now anticipates that the group’s true intentions will eventually surface, leading to a possible confrontation.
In response, al-Burhan is reportedly bolstering his position with a mix of tribal militias, such as “Sudan Shield” and “Eastern Battalion,” alongside foreign mercenaries, including fighters from Ethiopia’s Tigray region and Eritrea. This marks a stark contrast to the Islamist militias that once formed the core of his inner circle.
International actors, too, have thrown their support behind al-Burhan, providing critical military aid, intelligence, and resources in a bid to solidify his hold on power. This external backing places him in direct opposition to the Brotherhood, which has also garnered foreign support from parties keen on seeing it regain power.
The Islamist Movement, with its entrenched militias and influence within the SAF, had aimed to maintain control over al-Burhan, seeking to use him as a figurehead much like they did with former dictator Omar al-Bashir. However, recent developments suggest the Brotherhood is increasingly wary of al-Burhan’s potential links with foreign powers, particularly the United States, fearing that such ties could lead to a betrayal.
The fears were voiced by Brotherhood cleric Abdel-Hayy Yusuf, who described al-Burhan in December as “untrustworthy” and a “traitor.” Yusuf suggested that al-Burhan had sought to sever ties with the Islamic Movement but could not due to its entrenched influence, including within his own office.
Political analyst Omar Mohammed Nour believes the relationship between al-Burhan and the Brotherhood is reaching its breaking point. Nour argues that both factions are vying for sole control of Sudan, echoing the experience under Bashir, when the Islamist Movement held real power, leaving al-Burhan as a nominal leader.
The Brotherhood, now controlling the Port Sudan government, has reportedly begun employing tactics reminiscent of their strategy under Bashir, including mobilizing crowds and sending signals aimed at disrupting al-Burhan’s political maneuvering.
Recent reports also suggest that the Brotherhood may be considering removing al-Burhan following the imposition of new U.S. sanctions, viewing him as a liability to their political aspirations and potentially preferring to rely on the SAF to achieve their long-term objectives.