The al-Bara ibn Malik brigade, Sudan’s largest jihadi faction, plans to disband after defeating the RSF. Comprised of university-educated youths, the group operates under the SAF while refuting allegations of civilian violence. They emerged from previous Islamist forces and claim significant military strength, focusing solely on defeating the RSF with potential humanitarian efforts.
Sudan’s largest jihadi group, the al-Bara ibn Malik brigade, has stated its intent to disband following the defeat of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Operating discreetly from an office in Port Sudan, the group comprises mainly well-educated young men from affluent backgrounds who have joined this militant faction amidst ongoing conflict with the RSF since April 2023, under command of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The group is actively recruiting new members and coordinating military efforts with the SAF, asserting it has no intentions to gain power post-conflict.
The al-Bara ibn Malik brigade, named after an early Muslim fighter, was originally part of the Popular Defence Forces (PDF), which supported Sudan’s prior regime under Omar al-Bashir until 2019. The brigade resurfaced in 2023 just before the new war began, engaging in community activities like Ramadan gatherings while opposing a political framework agreement. The conflict has caused the group’s influence to surge, particularly after army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan initiated military training camps.
In a recent interview, spokesman Amar Abdul Wahab Sid Ahmed reported the brigade’s ranks had surpassed 20,000 fighters. Young recruits, often from varied political backgrounds, seek military training to resist the RSF in the face of widespread violence. The brigade’s notoriety has grown through social media, displaying their operations against the RSF, while their emblematic use of Islamic symbols has drawn stark criticism from broader society, perceiving them as extremists.
Despite claims of some atrocities attributed to them, Sid Ahmed rejected allegations of civilian violence, stating the group operates under SAF regulations. They assert their sole mission is the defeat of the RSF, and hence avoid political affiliations with any established political parties, including Bashir’s National Congress Party. The group professes to be engaged in saving civilians and ensuring humanitarian efforts during the ongoing conflict.
The al-Bara ibn Malik brigade’s operations have reportedly included guerrilla tactics and the liberation of prisoners of war. While the brigade claims to lack authority for civilian arrests, there have been UN reports implicating them in serious human rights abuses. Amidst continuous warfare, Sid Ahmed emphasizes their allegiance to the SAF, ensuring they act within military law. He stated that once the RSF is defeated, the brigade intends to disband, with fighters remaining free to choose their path within regular forces if they wish.
The al-Bara ibn Malik brigade, a key militant group in Sudan, expresses commitment to disbanding after defeating the RSF, reinforcing its operations under the SAF. The group, which claims to have over 20,000 fighters, arose from the remnants of previous Islamist paramilitary forces. Despite accusations of atrocities, they maintain their humanitarian stance while navigating the complexities of conflict and political affiliations. Their focus remains on the defeat of the RSF, with future disbandment planned once their aims are achieved.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
