The Jihadist Brigades in Sudan: A Structuring Return to the Battlefield
By | Mahamat Ali Kilani — Charilogone Editorial StaffSince the resumption of the Sudanese conflict in April 2023, an old phenomenon has resurfaced with remarkable intensity: the jihadist brigades, religiously inspired armed formations operating alongside the Sudanese Armed Forces. Their return, observed in several strategic states, raises major questions about the evolution of Sudan’s military landscape, internal power dynamics, and future risks to the country’s stability.
This report examines the resurgence of these groups, their implications, and the security challenges they pose.
Ad-Damazin – Blue Nile | July 4, 2026 : Jihadist brigades: how religiously inspired armed formations became major actors on the ground in four Sudanese states.
Four Sudanese states are witnessing a notable return of religiously inspired armed formations fighting alongside the Sudanese Armed Forces. This development brings renewed attention to the phenomenon of “jihadist brigades,” which first emerged in the 1990s.
Supervision by regular army officers
The same source identified Brigadier General Al-Abadi, from the 46th class of the Military Academy, as one of the most influential commanders within this brigade.
Deployment zones
Blue Nile - Sennar - White Nile and Certain areas of Kordofan
These formations, according to the source, participate in support missions, sweeping operations, and securing areas in coordination with regular forces.
Privileges and political weight
She adds: “Within the military establishment, they are perceived as groups affiliated with the Islamic Movement, which has historically maintained a strong presence and influence within the Sudanese Armed Forces.”
Historical context: 1989 to 2023
After 2019, their public activity diminished. However, since the outbreak of the conflict in April 2023, they have resurfaced as auxiliary forces supporting the army on several fronts.
For many analysts, this return reflects the army’s need to mobilize additional popular and military support amid expanding battlefronts and manpower shortages.
Risks and challenges
1- Unified command and control on the battlefield.
2- Demobilization and reintegration processes once the conflict ends.
They also note that the presence of regular army officers at the head of these brigades raises direct questions about the nature of the links between the official military institution and these Islamist armed groups, as well as the degree of their integration into the state’s military structure.
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