Have you ever wondered what happens when a country’s internal chaos ripples across the globe, threatening the very arteries of world trade? Sudan, a nation often overlooked in mainstream headlines, is teetering on the edge of a crisis that could reshape global commerce. Its ongoing civil war isn’t just a local tragedy—it’s a geopolitical powder keg, with the Muslim Brotherhood pulling strings behind the scenes. This isn’t merely a story of conflict; it’s a warning of how a shadowy group’s influence over Sudan’s army could choke critical trade routes and destabilize entire regions.
The Hidden War Shaking Sudan
Sudan’s civil war, raging since 2023, pits the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a former ally turned bitter rival. But scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find something far more sinister than a typical power struggle. The Muslim Brotherhood, a global Islamist movement, has sunk its claws deep into the SAF, using it as a vehicle to pursue ambitions far beyond Sudan’s borders. Their goal? Control over northeast Africa and the Red Sea, a lifeline for 10-15% of global maritime trade.
The Red Sea is more than a waterway—it’s the backbone of global trade, carrying oil and goods that keep economies humming.
– Geopolitical analyst
The stakes couldn’t be higher. If the Muslim Brotherhood consolidates power in Sudan, they could disrupt oil supplies, spike global prices, and even revive the country as a hub for extremist groups. In my view, this isn’t just Sudan’s problem—it’s a wake-up call for anyone who cares about global stability.
A Legacy of Chaos: How It All Began
Sudan’s troubles trace back to 1989, when General Omar Al-Bashir, backed by the Muslim Brotherhood’s National Islamic Front, seized power in a coup. His 30-year reign was marked by atrocities—genocides in South Sudan and Darfur, sheltering Osama bin Laden in the 1990s, and aiding Al-Qaeda’s attacks, including the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombings. Sudan became a playground for extremists, funneling weapons to groups like Hamas and supporting militias across the region.
Fast forward to 2019, when Al-Bashir was ousted amid hopes of a democratic dawn. Those dreams were crushed by a 2021 military coup led by SAF commander General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, followed by the 2023 clash with the RSF. Beneath this turmoil, the Muslim Brotherhood has been quietly tightening its grip on the SAF, turning it into a tool for their broader agenda.
The Muslim Brotherhood’s Playbook
How does a group like the Muslim Brotherhood wield so much power? It’s not just about ideology—it’s about strategy. Since the 1980s, they’ve infiltrated Sudan’s military, purging non-Islamist officers and stacking the ranks with loyalists. By 2019, the SAF was effectively an extension of their will, with jihadist factions like the Al-Bara Bin Malik Brigade and Bunyan Al-Marsous Brigade leading the charge.
- Infiltration: Key figures like Ali Ahmed Karti, a sanctioned Islamist leader, have shaped the SAF’s ideology since his student days.
- Purging rivals: Thousands of moderate officers were ousted or worse, ensuring the military’s loyalty to the Brotherhood.
- Jihadist battalions: Rebranded as “Popular Resistance,” these units frame their fight against the RSF as a holy war.
This isn’t a conspiracy theory—it’s a well-documented takeover. Reports indicate that Karti’s influence derailed Sudan’s chance at a civilian-led government post-2021. Even today, despite Burhan’s attempts to distance himself from hardline Islamists, the Brotherhood’s roots run deep, with loyalists embedded in civilian institutions like the foreign affairs and justice ministries.
Why the Red Sea Matters
Let’s talk geography for a second. Sudan sits at a crossroads, with access to the Red Sea and trade routes like the Suez Canal. This isn’t just about local power—it’s about controlling a chokepoint for global commerce. The Red Sea carries roughly 10-15% of the world’s maritime trade, including critical oil and gas shipments. A Muslim Brotherhood-controlled Sudan could disrupt this flow, much like the Houthis have done in Yemen, sending shockwaves through global markets.
| Region | Trade Importance | Risk Level |
| Red Sea | 10-15% of global maritime trade | High |
| Suez Canal | Links Asia to Europe | Medium-High |
| Horn of Africa | Migrant and trade transit | Medium |
Imagine oil prices skyrocketing or supply chains grinding to a halt. That’s the kind of leverage the Brotherhood could wield. And it’s not just about economics—Sudan’s strategic position makes it a potential launchpad for extremist groups targeting Western allies like Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.
The Foreign Players: Qatar and Iran
No conflict this complex happens in a vacuum. Enter Qatar and Iran, two powers with their own agendas. Qatar has long backed the Muslim Brotherhood, providing financial and logistical support to cement their influence in Sudan. Iran, meanwhile, has been supplying the SAF with drones like the Ababil-3 and Mohajer-6, spotted at military sites near Khartoum. These weapons bolster the SAF’s fight against the RSF, but they also serve Iran’s goal of expanding its presence in the Red Sea.
Iran’s drones aren’t just tools of war—they’re a statement of intent to challenge Western influence in the region.
– Middle East security expert
This alliance isn’t new. During Al-Bashir’s reign, Sudan was a conduit for Iranian weapons to groups like Hamas. Today, the Muslim Brotherhood-SAF axis, backed by these foreign powers, threatens to revive Sudan as a terrorist hub, with ripple effects far beyond Africa.
A Fragile Balancing Act: Burhan’s Moves
Here’s where things get murky. In August 2025, General Burhan made headlines by firing five senior Islamist generals, including the head of the SAF’s Armored Corps. Some saw this as a sign he’s trying to curb the Brotherhood’s influence, possibly under pressure from the U.S. or Egypt. But don’t be fooled—this feels more like a cosmetic move than a genuine break. Burhan still relies on Brotherhood loyalists like Karti for battlefield support, and their influence persists in key institutions.
Egypt, a key U.S. ally, is walking a tightrope. They back the SAF as a stabilizing force but want the Brotherhood’s influence reined in. It’s a delicate dance, and Burhan’s dependence on Islamist networks makes real reform tricky. Personally, I think Burhan’s in over his head—caught between foreign allies and the very forces propping him up.
What’s at Stake for the West?
Why should you care about a war in a distant country? Because the fallout could hit closer to home than you think. A Muslim Brotherhood-controlled Sudan could:
- Disrupt global trade: Choking the Red Sea could spike oil and gas prices, hitting economies worldwide.
- Fuel extremism: Sudan could become a safe haven for groups like Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State.
- Threaten allies: Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt are prime targets for Brotherhood-backed operations.
The West can’t afford to ignore this. Sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and support for regional players like Egypt could help dismantle these networks. But it’s a race against time—the longer the Brotherhood’s grip tightens, the harder it’ll be to loosen.
A Global Wake-Up Call
Sudan’s war isn’t just a regional issue—it’s a piece of a larger puzzle. The Muslim Brotherhood’s ambitions stretch far beyond Khartoum, aiming to reshape the Middle East and Africa. Their influence, backed by foreign powers like Qatar and Iran, threatens to turn Sudan into a launchpad for chaos. Perhaps the most unsettling part is how quietly this crisis has unfolded, overshadowed by other global headlines.
So, what’s the solution? It starts with awareness. The world needs to stop treating Sudan as a backwater conflict and recognize its strategic weight. From there, coordinated action—sanctions, intelligence sharing, and support for moderate forces—could tip the scales. But as I see it, the clock’s ticking, and the Brotherhood’s playing a long game.
Sudan’s fate will shape the region’s future—ignore it at your peril.
– International security researcher
In the end, Sudan’s hidden war is a stark reminder: even the most distant conflicts can send shockwaves across the globe. Will the world act before it’s too late? That’s the question we should all be asking.
