Sudan Brotherhood's search of legitimacy

Sudan’s influential Islamic movement has elected the former Foreign Minister, Ali Ahmed Karti, as its general secretary. Although the movement’s leader is currently operating secretly; observers, including its opponents, believe the group continues to financially and politically control Sudan’s government. The group is also thought to command a significant presence in the Sudanese Army.

The election of Karti signals a reemergence of a new united Islamic bloc, many of whom were blamed for the economic woes and political injustices during the 30-year rule of President Omer Al-Bashir from June 1989-April 2019. It follows a reappraisal of the movement’s activities in light of Sudan’s inability to secure democratic elections or to stabilise. 

The alliance mirrors the broad coalition called the Islamic Charter Front that was formed to participate in the 1968 elections. It included the Muslim Brotherhood, the Salafis and the Tijaniyya Sufi order.

Later in 1986, the convergence of the Islamic groups was instigated by Dr. Hassan Abdullah Al-Turabi who formed the National Islamic Front (NIF). The front supported women’s right to vote and run for office, and Al-Turabi’s main goals were to Islamise society and establish Islamic Sharia rule in Sudan. The National Islamic Front integrated itself into the parliament, government, army, local and regional organisations, and women and youth welfare organisations.

At the same time, they controlled Islamic charitable institutions in order to promote their ideas. They benefited from their participation with President Nimeiri from 1979 to 1985 in economic and social empowerment. 

The Islamic Front – separate from the Muslim Brotherhood – also took administrative positions in the emerging Islamic banks in Sudan and became employees and administrators in them and became the main financier of their projects to become a force that influenced politics, law, state and society in Sudan. It won 51 seats in the Sudanese parliament and came in third place after the Umma and Democratic Unionist parties.

Many observers believe that the new broad movement can rekindle its relationship with the Sudanese people. It remains to be seen whether Sudan can trust the Islamic parties given the level of widespread allegations of corruption and injustice during Al-Bashir’s rule.

Moreover, analysts believe that challenges facing the movement may be difficult to overcome. Particularly, the international opposition to Islamic principles and governance. Those speaking in support of the new movement are clear that foreign influence about the affairs of Sudan should be minimised. Therefore, politically, the coalition’s statement criticised the RSF and its alleged foreign backers, reflecting a stance aligned with the military.