Sudan’s Islamic movement charts a new direction in 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.

Whatever the case, Ali Karti’s decision to lead the newly reformed Islamic movement follows the October 2021 army takeover of Sudan in which the restrictions against Islamic orientated parties were lifted. The new group includes the Islamic movement, the Just Peace Forum, two factions of the Muslim Brotherhood, the Reform Now movement and the State of Law and Development Party led by Islamic preacher, Mohammed Ali Al-Jazouli, who was detained by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) at the start of the war. The National Justice Alliance, headed by Al-Tijani Al-Sisi, and the Renaissance Current led by Mohamed Majzoub, are also included in it.

The new group became the ‘Broad Islamic Current’ and declared itself in opposition to the founding agreement that established the Transitional Sovereignty Council in 2019 in conjunction with the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC). That agreement allowed a variety of parties to take part in the Sudanese political process with the exception of the Islamic orientated parties.

Under the circumstances, the coalition did not disclose how or where the recent elections took place but the news outlet Sudan Tribune confirmed the group continued to operate within Sudan. The group’s spokesperson, Hassan Abdel Hamid, said their stance in the ongoing conflict is to back the army against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who they accuse of attempting to “swallow the Sudanese state.”

Read: Sudan army wages major offensive on paramilitary RSF in Khartoum

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.

Read: Sudan ex-leader Bashir moved to northern town for treatment, lawyer says

A year ago, in September 2023, the United States administration imposed sanctions on what it called “hardline Islamist groups actively opposing Sudan’s democratic transition.” US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said: “The  Department of State has taken steps to impose visa restrictions on individuals believed to be responsible for or complicit in past and current efforts to undermine Sudan’s democratic transition.”

“This includes Sudanese Islamists and officials of the former Al-Bashir regime, as well as other individuals who are working to suppress human rights and fundamental freedoms or engage in other actions that undermine Sudan’s aspirations for democracy.  We will continue to hold to account those who undermine peace and a democratic transition in Sudan,” the statement said.

Since its inception, the Islamic movement in Sudan has struggled to attain a mandate given that it has never won elections or been voted into office with the democratic support of the Sudanese people. Indeed, the 1989 coup that they staged had always been marred by the lack of legitimacy. Many in this Board Islamic Current coalition are hoping that the movement can finally legitimise and make become the democratic ruler of Sudan.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.