Sudan Islamists seek US, Israel channels in bid to recast political future

KHARTOUM – Sudanese Islamist leaders are seeking to reposition themselves internationally through reported contacts with US and Israeli-linked figures as the country’s civil war reshapes the political landscape, according to Sudanese media reports and political sources.

Reports published by Sudanese outlets alleged that Ali Ahmed Karti, secretary-general of the Sudanese Islamic Movement, has in recent months used intermediaries, lobbying firms and figures connected to Washington policy circles in an effort to reopen channels with the United States and secure a role for Islamists in any future political settlement.

The reports, which could not be independently verified, also claimed that efforts were made to establish contacts with influential Israeli-linked figures to help promote the initiative within US political circles.

Neither Karti nor representatives of the Islamist movement publicly commented on the allegations.

According to Sudanese political sources cited in the reports, Islamist figures indicated they would not obstruct efforts to end Sudan’s war, including possible arrangements linked to the International Criminal Court and wanted officials associated with the former regime, in exchange for renewed engagement with Western governments and relief from international restrictions.

The reported outreach comes as Sudan’s Islamists face increasing pressure over accusations that they wield significant influence within the Port Sudan authority aligned with the Sudanese army.

The Sudan Founding Alliance (TASIS) has accused the Islamist movement of controlling military operations, armed brigades and key political decisions within the army-led administration. TASIS argues that Islamists have effectively regained influence through the war after being removed from power during the 2018 uprising against former president Omar al-Bashir.

The Sudanese army denies claims that Islamists dominate its command structures, although the role of Islamist-aligned brigades in recent fighting has become a frequent subject of political debate.

Washington sanctioned Karti in 2023, accusing him of undermining Sudan’s democratic transition and contributing to the collapse of the political process preceding the outbreak of war in April 2023.

The United States later designated the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organisation, accusing it of using violence against civilians, recruiting fighters with Iranian backing and obstructing efforts to achieve a political settlement.

Analysts say the mounting international pressure may have pushed Sudan’s Islamists to pursue a more pragmatic strategy aimed at reducing their isolation and presenting themselves as potential participants in future negotiations.

Israeli-Canadian businessman and former intelligence officer Ari Ben-Menashe told Sudanese outlet Afaq Jadid that he had previously met Karti and arranged contacts with American officials, including former US secretary of state John Kerry during Bashir’s final years in power.

The allegations come as Sudan’s war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces enters its fourth year, worsening what the United Nations describes as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.

Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have repeatedly stalled amid competing regional interests, military deadlock and divisions among Sudan’s civilian and political factions.

Some observers believe the prolonged conflict and weakening of civilian political forces have created space for former Islamist networks to attempt a return to influence, despite continued mistrust from Western governments and many Sudanese political actors.

Opponents of the Islamist movement argue that any reintegration of its leaders into Sudan’s future political order would threaten hopes for democratic transition and risk reviving structures associated with Bashir’s three-decade rule.

Others say international actors may eventually face pressure to engage with all influential factions if efforts to secure a negotiated end to the war continue to fail.