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Experts on extremist groups have concluded that the Muslim Brotherhood represents fuel for the ongoing civil war in Sudan and the biggest obstacle to ending it. According to specialists in terrorism and extremism, the continued influence of the Muslim Brotherhood prolongs the conflict and undermines regional and international initiatives aimed at stopping the violence that has devastated the country.
Munir Adib, a researcher specializing in extremist movements and international terrorism, explained that the Brotherhood plays a central role in igniting the current war in Sudan. Speaking to media outlets, Adib confirmed that the group has become fundamental fuel for the war’s continuation, systematically working to prolong the conflict by obstructing any initiatives or efforts aimed at achieving peace.
Muslim Brotherhood Rejects Peace Initiatives in Sudan
The organization categorically rejects any truce initiatives or even humanitarian efforts, according to Adib. This resistance stems from their belief that accepting such initiatives could lead to a de-escalation that might end the war, which would negatively impact their political and organizational influence or expose them to imprisonment and legal accountability.
Additionally, the researcher noted that the Brotherhood’s continued presence on the Sudanese scene prolongs the war and deepens the crisis. The group works continuously to fuel the conflict and maintain its continuation, making it impossible to reach a genuine political solution without confronting their agenda or designating them as a terrorist organization.
Western Sanctions Target Brotherhood Influence
Meanwhile, Tarek Abu al-Saad, a researcher in extremist movements, emphasized that the Brotherhood’s role in the Sudanese conflict extends beyond exploiting the war to actively contributing to igniting and fueling it. Recent measures taken by Washington, London, and some European capitals to ban the organization represent a direct blow to this role, according to the expert.
Abu al-Saad explained that these sanctions impact three interconnected levels: organizational, financial, and political-security. The measures will prevent the Muslim Brotherhood from returning as a ruling organization or central political force in Sudan, pushing them to transform into merely a limited influence network relying on incitement and managing chaos from behind the scenes.
Financial Impact on Extremist Group Operations
However, the organizational impact will undermine the Brotherhood’s ability to play an organized role in the conflict. This occurs through dismantling their traditional hierarchical structure, declining centralized leadership, and disappearing formal frameworks they used as political and advocacy fronts, which weakens their capacity to directly guide the conflict.
Furthermore, the organization will face sharp contraction in its resources compared to the period before 2019, according to Abu al-Saad. Restrictions on external financing and tightened oversight of financial transfers, alongside constraints on cross-border charitable and relief associations ideologically linked to the group, will significantly impact their operations in Sudan.
Diplomatic Consequences for Brotherhood Affiliates
In contrast to previous periods, the ban strips the organization of any international legitimacy and closes channels of communication with Western capitals, international organizations, and human rights platforms. Any Sudanese faction suspected of links to the Muslim Brotherhood will be viewed as a diplomatic and security burden rather than a partner in any solution process, the researcher indicated.
The full impact of these international sanctions on the Brotherhood’s role in perpetuating Sudan’s civil war remains to be seen. Experts suggest that while the measures may limit the group’s organized influence and financial capabilities, uncertainties persist regarding their ability to continue fueling instability through informal networks and proxy elements within the ongoing conflict.
