Burhan denies Sudan army ties to Islamists
March 16, 2026 (ABU HAMAD, River Nile State) – Sudan’s military chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Monday denied the armed forces have any links to political groups, including the dissolved National Congress Party (NCP) and the Muslim Brotherhood, as a U.S. terrorist designation against Sudanese Islamist factions took effect.
The comments follow a controversial video aired by UAE-based Sky News Arabia featuring the former head of the NCP’s Shura Council, Osman Mohamed Yusuf Kibir. In the footage, Kibir claimed the group had pressured Burhan to seize power for Islamists. Kibir later denied the remarks, accusing the broadcaster of manipulating the video.
Speaking at a Ramadan Iftar in the River Nile State, Burhan sought to distance the military from political affiliations. “We do not know the Muslim Brotherhood, the National Congress, or the Communists,” Burhan said. “We only know the Sudanese people.”
The general’s denial comes as the United States officially implemented a decision on Monday to place the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood, the broader Islamic Movement, and the Al-Baraa bin Malik Brigade on its list of global terrorist organizations.
Despite Burhan’s assertions, political opponents and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have long accused the army leadership of being beholden to the Islamic Movement. Elements of the movement, including the Al-Baraa bin Malik Brigade, have been openly fighting alongside the army since the conflict began in April 2023.
Burhan ruled out any immediate diplomatic breakthrough, stating there would be “no truce, no ceasefire, and no reconciliation” until the RSF lays down its arms. He described the ongoing conflict as a “Battle of Dignity” aimed at eradicating the rebellion.
While dismissing formal political ties, Burhan said politicians currently abroad were welcome to return to Sudan provided they “return to the path of truth. But we will not forgive anyone who has committed crimes against the Sudanese people”.
Burhan’s denial coincides with the U.S. administration’s decision to designate the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood, the Islamic Movement, and the Al-Baraa bin Malik Brigade as global terrorist organizations. The U.S. sanctions officially come into effect today, March 16.