The al-Bara ibn Malik brigade, Sudan’s largest jihadi group, aims to disband post-RSF defeat. Predominantly consisting of affluent youth, the group operates under the military’s command, refuting allegations of independent financing. Since their resurgence, they have significantly grown in size and notoriety, amidst ongoing accusations of committing war atrocities while asserting support for civilian protection.
Sudan’s largest jihadi group, the al-Bara ibn Malik brigade, has announced intentions to disband following the defeat of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the ongoing war against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). This organization, operating discreetly from unmarked offices in Port Sudan, comprises young men from affluent families, representing a revival of ideologies reminiscent of the era of former autocrat Omar al-Bashir.
Established under the Popular Defence Forces (PDF) to combat the Sudan People’s Liberation Army, the brigade is reportedly recruiting youth and coordinating military efforts with the SAF amidst the ongoing conflict. Despite its military operations, officials insist they lack independent resources and operate solely under SAF command, with a commitment to disband after the war concludes.
Since its re-establishment during the recent conflict, the brigade’s influence has surged, particularly following the initiation of military training camps by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. As reported, there are now over 20,000 fighters, with many volunteers seeking military training to oppose the RSF, whom they perceive as a threat supported by external forces, notably the UAE.
The al-Bara ibn Malik brigade has garnered notoriety through social media, showcasing its combat activities against the RSF. However, it faces significant scrutiny and accusations of committing atrocities against civilians and enemy soldiers, allegations that the spokesperson Amar Abdul Wahab Sid Ahmed vehemently denies, attributing them to propaganda spread by the RSF.
While the group claims to follow SAF regulations and engage in protective operations for civilians, international worries persist about their violent past under Bashir’s regime. According to Sid Ahmed, the al-Bara ibn Malik brigade maintains a focus on defeating the RSF rather than pursuing political power, asserting that they do not align with any established political factions, including the National Congress Party.
In summary, as the al-Bara ibn Malik brigade continues its military endeavors against the RSF, it maintains that its dissolution will follow the war’s conclusion. Their commitment to a singular goal, namely the defeat of the RSF, is stressed repeatedly by their spokesperson, underscoring the complexities of Sudan’s evolving conflict and the role of radical factions within it.
The al-Bara ibn Malik brigade represents a significant and controversial actor in Sudan’s current conflict, operating under the SAF with intentions to disband after neutralizing the RSF. Despite claims of a non-political agenda, their militant activities and the accusations surrounding them raise critical questions regarding their future role and the impacts on Sudan’s security landscape. The unfolding dynamics will continue to shape the region’s socio-political environment, highlighting the intersections between radicalism and warfare.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
