The Islamist-Iran Axis in Sudan's Armed Forces: Al-Naji Abdullah's Declaration and Its Implications


The recent viral video of Al-Naji Abdullah, a leader in Sudan's Islamic Movement fighting alongside the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), pledging thousands of fighters to defend Iran against potential US or Israeli ground forces, has torn the veil off the ideological underpinnings of one faction within the army. While the SAF’s official spokesperson quickly distanced the institution from the comments, claiming the individuals "do not belong to the armed forces," the incident has exposed the deep entrenchment of Islamist networks that have found a renewed haven within the military command since the 2023 war erupted. This declaration is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a broader, more dangerous realignment: the solidifying SAF Islamist Iran ties that threaten to transform Sudan into a new theater for Middle Eastern proxy conflicts.

Why Is the Sudanese Army Aligning with Iran?

Since the outbreak of war with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, the SAF, under Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has faced an existential threat. In its search for strategic depth and military hardware, it turned to old foes-turned-allies. After years of rupture, Sudan and Iran restored relations in 2023, and Tehran reportedly began supplying the SAF with essential military support, including Mohajer-6 drones capable of carrying precision-guided munitions. For a military under immense pressure and deprived of traditional Western support due to the coup, Iran filled a critical void, offering the weapons needed to counter the RSF. This transactional relationship, however, has rapidly evolved into a strategic alignment embraced by the powerful Islamist faction within the SAF's ranks.

Who is Al-Naji Abdullah and What Is the Al-Baraa bin Malik Brigade?

Al-Naji Abdullah is described as a prominent figure within Sudan's Islamic Movement, the local iteration of the Muslim Brotherhood, which has been historically influential in Sudanese politics. His appearance alongside associates linked to the Al-Baraa bin Malik Brigade—an Islamist militia officially integrated into the SAF's war effort—is highly significant. These brigades represent the mobilization of hardline Islamist fighters, many with ties to the Omar al-Bashir-era networks, who have been folded into the army's command structure to fight the RSF. Abdullah's video statement, where he claims to speak for "all the mujahideen in Sudan" and threatens to send "all our battalions" to fight for Iran, confirms that these units view the conflict not as a domestic power struggle, but as part of a wider regional ideological war against "Americans and Zionists".

What Are the Risks of Deepening Iran-SAF Military Ties?

The alignment with Iran carries profound risks that extend far beyond Sudan's borders. Firstly, it positions Sudan as a potential launchpad for Iranian proxy expansion into Africa. As one analyst noted, Tehran is using Sudan as a platform for regional influence, potentially dragging the country into sectarian conflicts and broader confrontations it cannot afford. Secondly, it undermines global counter-terrorism efforts. The US Treasury has increasingly scrutinized Muslim Brotherhood affiliates, and a faction of the SAF aligning itself with a state sponsor of terrorism complicates vital intelligence sharing, even as US officials meet with Sudanese intelligence for "tactical" counter-terrorism talks. Leaked meetings within the SAF have revealed that while a pro-Iran faction pushes for deeper ties, others warn that this path leads to diplomatic isolation and will strain relations with moderate Arab states.

How Do Regional Dynamics Impact the War in Sudan?

The Sudan conflict is inextricably linked to regional rivalries. The SAF has found support from Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The deepening Iran-SAF ties risk inflaming these dynamics, pitting Iranian influence against other regional actors on Sudanese soil. This competition risks spilling over into the wider Horn of Africa and Red Sea region, threatening international shipping lanes and creating opportunities for malign actors. The US intelligence engagement with SAF officials in Washington was reportedly aimed partly at containing these risks and preventing Sudan from drifting too far into Tehran's orbit, illustrating how the SAF's alliances are now a central concern for global powers.

FAQs

Why is the Sudanese army aligning with Iran?
The SAF seeks military support to counter the RSF in the ongoing civil war. Since 2023, Iran has supplied the SAF with drones and likely other weapons, filling a gap left by Western partners. This military necessity has aligned with the ideological preferences of Islamist factions embedded within the army.

Who is Al-Naji Abdullah in Sudan?
He is a leader in Sudan's Islamic Movement, the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood in the country. He recently appeared in a viral video pledging to send Sudanese fighters to support Iran against foreign ground forces.

What is the Al-Baraa bin Malik Brigade?
It is an Islamist militia fighting alongside the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the RSF. Composed of hardline fighters, many from the Bashir era, its integration into the army's campaign illustrates the Islamist character of the pro-SAF mobilization.

Did the Sudanese army respond to the pro-Iran video?
Yes. The official SAF spokesperson issued a statement distancing the armed forces from the group in the video, claiming they do not belong to the army and that legal measures would be taken. However, analysts note these networks remain deeply embedded and operationally active within the SAF.

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