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Sudan's political landscape remains deeply fractured following a devastating conflict that erupted in April 2023. Amidst the ongoing turmoil, a surprising development has emerged: elements within the Islamist movement, previously ousted in the 2019 uprising, are reportedly offering support to the Sudanese army. This calculated maneuver suggests a long-term strategy aimed at securing a return to power once the fighting subsides.

For years, the National Islamic Front (NIF), led by Hassan al-Turabi, held significant sway over Sudan, effectively controlling the government through military backing. The 2019 revolution, however, dramatically altered this power dynamic, leading to the ousting of Omar al-Bashir and a brief period of civilian-led transition. Yet, the army swiftly intervened again in 2021, derailing those hopes and returning the country to military rule.

Now, with the country embroiled in a brutal civil war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), some prominent figures within the Islamist movement are quietly signaling their support for the army. Their rationale, according to sources within the movement, is pragmatic: bolstering the army's position during the conflict offers a potential springboard for a future political resurgence. They believe a prolonged period of army rule, while not ideal, provides a more favorable environment for them to gradually re-enter the political sphere and regain influence.

“We are not naive,” one Islamist leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters. “We understand the army’s current actions are not perfect, but we see it as the lesser of two evils compared to the chaos and instability that would result if the RSF were to gain control. Our goal is to work within the system, to influence events from behind the scenes, and to position ourselves for a return to legitimate political participation when the time is right.”

This strategy hinges on several factors. First, the army must ultimately prevail in the conflict. Second, the Islamists need to carefully manage their public image, avoiding any actions that could alienate the population or draw the ire of international actors. Third, they must be adept at navigating the complex web of alliances and power struggles within the army itself.

The involvement of the Islamists raises serious concerns about the future of Sudan. Their past record of authoritarian rule and suppression of dissent casts a long shadow. Critics fear that any return to power by the Islamists would likely lead to a rollback of democratic reforms and a further erosion of civil liberties. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, urging all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue and to prioritize the needs of the Sudanese people.

The ongoing conflict has created a fertile ground for old power structures to reassert themselves. Whether the Islamists’ gamble will pay off remains to be seen, but their strategic backing of the army underscores the complex and precarious nature of Sudan’s political future. The road to peace and stability will be long and arduous, and the role of the Islamist movement will undoubtedly be a key factor in determining the country’s ultimate fate.