Al-Bara Ibn Malik Brigade: Sudan’s Largest Militant Group’s Stance in Ongoing Conflict
The al-Bara ibn Malik brigade, Sudan’s largest militant group, fights alongside the SAF against the RSF and aims to disband after the conflict concludes. Composed of young, educated men, their operations are marked by recent military successes despite allegations of severe human rights violations. They stress their non-political alignment and commitment to disarmament following their objectives.
Sudan’s largest militant group, the al-Bara ibn Malik brigade, declares its intention to disband following the defeat of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Based in Port Sudan, this group consists primarily of educated young men from affluent families who align with Sudan’s Islamic movement, echoing the ideology of the former autocrat, Omar al-Bashir. They are actively fighting alongside the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the RSF since the onset of hostilities in April 2023.
The al-Bara ibn Malik brigade engages in recruitment and mobilization efforts, coordinating directly with the SAF. Members assert that the brigade operates under the SAF’s authority and claims self-sufficiency in terms of financing their operations. They emphasize that their dissolution is planned once the conflict concludes, rejecting aspirations for seizing political power.
Originally founded as part of the Popular Defence Forces (PDF) during Bashir’s regime, the brigade re-emerged in 2023 amidst volatile political discussions about Sudan’s governance framework. The leaders report a growing number of fighters, exceeding 20,000, engaging in military training to defend against the RSF. Their activities have become notably visible on social media, amplifying their impact throughout the conflict.
Tragic incidents, such as a drone strike during a Ramadan gathering resulting in fatalities, reflect the perilous conditions surrounding the brigade. Furthermore, their leader’s arrest in Saudi Arabia adds complexity to their narrative. The brigade has garnered attention for its distinct Islamic symbol, which has polarized public opinion and raised concerns regarding extremist ideologies.
The group reports military successes against the RSF, with significant territorial gains in regions such as Khartoum and al-Jazira. Despite acknowledging challenges, they project confidence in achieving comprehensive victory over the RSF, while simultaneously facing accusations of severe human rights violations, which they categorically deny. The UN has cited alarming reports of civilian executions involving forces allied with the SAF, attributed specifically to the al-Bara ibn Malik brigade.
The brigade maintains that it operates strictly under SAF regulations, denying any authority to conduct arrests or detain individuals independently. Members emphasize their non-political stance, asserting that their primary objective is solely to defeat the RSF. They envision demobilization upon achieving their military goals, insisting that any further involvement with the SAF or other forces will be at the discretion of individual fighters.
The al-Bara ibn Malik brigade represents a significant force in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, actively participating alongside the SAF against the RSF. With strong recruitment efforts and a declared commitment to dismantling their operations post-conflict, their activities underline the complex interplay of military loyalty and lingering ideological affiliations from Bashir’s regime. Their stated non-political stance, coupled with extensive accusations of human rights violations, continues to pose challenges not only for the group but also for the broader legitimacy of the SAF’s efforts in Sudan.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
