Sudan’s largest jihadist group, al-Bara ibn Malik brigade, vows to disband after defeating the RSF. Operating from unmarked offices, the group recruits affluent young men, asserting their loyalty to the Sudanese Armed Forces. Amidst accusations of atrocities, they maintain a non-political stance and focus on humanitarian projects. The brigade’s spokesperson estimates their numbers at over 20,000 fighters, emphasizing their goal to eradicate the RSF before dissolving the organization.
Sudan’s largest jihadist group, the al-Bara ibn Malik brigade, asserts it will disband after achieving victory over the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This organization operates from an unmarked office in Port Sudan, drawing young men from affluent backgrounds who partake in militant activities aligned with Sudan’s Islamic movement, reminiscent of ideologies under the previous regime of Omar al-Bashir.
In Port Sudan, the al-Bara ibn Malik brigade engages in recruitment and coordination with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which has been embroiled in conflict with the RSF since April 2023. Although these militants claim that they operate under the SAF’s command, they also emphasize that they do not intend to claim power post-conflict, aiming instead for dissolution after defeating the RSF.
The al-Bara ibn Malik brigade traces its roots to the Popular Defence Forces (PDF), initially formed to protect the state under Bashir. Following the 2019 uprising that led to Bashir’s removal, the PDF was dismantled, yet elements resurfaced in 2023, boosting their presence in response to political turmoil. Consequently, young recruits have sought military training to combat the RSF, countering what they describe as an “Emirati invasion” assisting the RSF.
Amar Abdul Wahab Sid Ahmed, the brigade spokesperson, estimates their ranks now exceed 20,000 fighters. He noted that forces have garnered notoriety through their military exploits showcased across social media, with participation in intense combat operations and engagements against the RSF across various regions of Sudan.
Despite their claims of carrying out operations to protect civilians, the al-Bara ibn Malik brigade has faced substantiated accusations of horrific violence against civilians and RSF members. Sid Ahmed refuted these allegations, attributing them to propaganda by the RSF, while asserting that his group maintains a focused mission against the RSF and operates in accordance with SAF directives.
Public statements from Sid Ahmed accentuate that the brigade does not represent any governmental entity, emphasizing its non-political stance while committing to aiding humanitarian efforts. He declared that the brigade would disband after defeating the RSF, with individuals free to pursue other military or civil roles if they choose, firmly declaring:
“We are fully working under the command of the SAF. Our only focus is to defeat the RSF.”
The al-Bara ibn Malik brigade, a prominent militant group in Sudan, professes its intention to disband following the defeat of the RSF. Reflecting a resurgence of ideologies from the al-Bashir era, the group successfully recruits and organizes fighters as part of a broader strategy against the RSF. While publicly denying allegations of atrocities, they emphasize their operational unity with the SAF and express commitment to humanitarian endeavors, ultimately seeking disbandment post-war.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
