“Broad Sudanese Welcome for U.S. Designation of Islamic Movement as Terrorist Organization”

Sudanese political forces, armed movements, and civil society organizations have welcomed a decision by the United States Department of State issued on March 9, 2026, designating the Sudanese Islamic Movement—linked to the Muslim Brotherhood—as a terrorist organization. These groups described the move as an important step toward supporting peace efforts and confronting violence in the country.

The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army, led by Abdul Wahid al‑Nur, stated that although the decision came late, it sends a clear message against extremist organizations and those who finance them. The movement noted that the efforts of various Sudanese political forces, including the Nairobi Declaration Forces, contributed to encouraging the international community to take this step.

The movement added that the designation represents a form of justice for victims of violations and crimes committed by the group over more than three decades. It also reflects the link between the continuation of the war and attempts to undermine national, regional, and international efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and establishing a civilian transitional government.
The movement called on the U.S. administration and the international community to continue isolating extremist organizations and cutting off their funding sources in order to strengthen security and stability in Sudan and the wider region.

For its part, the Youth Campaign to Stop the War and Support Sudanese Dialogue welcomed the decision, saying that any international step aimed at halting violence and protecting civilians supports efforts to end the crisis. The campaign stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire and the launch of a comprehensive Sudanese dialogue centered on national interests, leading to a democratic civilian state founded on freedom, justice, and peace.

In the same context, Sudanese political and civil groups urged international and regional bodies—including the United Nations, the European Union, and the African Union—to consider taking similar steps by designating the Sudanese Islamic Movement as a terrorist organization and holding accountable anyone who supports it or provides cover for its activities.

Meanwhile, the Sudanese Congress Party issued a statement on the decision, saying that the designation of the Islamic Movement and its military wing, the Al‑Bara ibn Malik Battalion, as a foreign terrorist organization and global terrorists represents international recognition of the group’s role in undermining stability and spreading extremism. The party also pointed to what it described as the group’s clear ties with the Iran and its affiliated militias.
The party said the decision underscores the need to contain networks of political extremism that have exploited religion to gain power, and it strengthens efforts to dismantle the structures of the former regime and prevent its figures from influencing the country’s future.

The party renewed its call for an immediate end to the war and for engagement in a comprehensive political process to address the root causes of the crisis and build a democratic civilian state based on the rule of law, respect for human rights, and the provision of dignified living conditions for all Sudanese without discrimination.