Another danger threatens Sudan: The war may provide terrorist organizations a safe haven

Aya Ezz

Sudan is living in a state of political turmoil and conflict due to the military operation launched by the Sudanese army against the rebellion of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led my Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo “Hemedti”, which may open the way for the infiltration and spread of terrorist groups, especially ISIS.

International concern

These fears have aroused regional and international concern, because the stability of Sudan affects the security and interests of the countries of the region and the security of the world. It may also lead to the country slipping into an all-out civil war, as happened in other countries such as Syria and Iraq. Under these circumstances, terrorist organizations like ISIS may exploit the weakness of the central authority and the lack of security to plant sleeper or active cells in different parts of Sudan.

Shared borders with countries that include ISIS affiliates

Sudan is bordered by various countries witnessing terrorist activities by branches of ISIS, such as Libya and Ethiopia, and the organization may use these borders as ways to smuggle its members, weapons and money into Sudan.

It may also take advantage of the ongoing tensions between Sudan and some neighboring countries, such as Ethiopia, over the disputed Al-Fashaga area and the Renaissance Dam to cause destabilization.

Security warnings

A study by the TRENDS Research and Advisory warned that Sudan might become a safe haven for terrorists fleeing from the Sahel, the Sahara and the Horn of Africa.

The study said that the Brotherhood is accused of being involved in igniting chaos in Sudan to benefit from it politically and to support their partner extremist organizations. The group also seeks to facilitate the entry of terrorists in order to create chaos in the country and achieve its interests through instability.

The TRENDS study emphasized that these concerns are not only about Sudan’s internal security, but also about regional and international security, as Iran, which is considered a state sponsor of terrorism by the United States, may exploit the transformations in Sudan to increase its influence and support its allies such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Palestine, in addition to the formation of extremist groups that settle in Sudan as a threat to neighboring countries.

Serious repercussions

The migration of terrorists to Sudan carries serious repercussions on security and stability in the country and the entire region, and the United Nations has warned of the dangers of continued fighting in Sudan to the lives of civilians and the humanitarian situation.

Sudan’s neighboring countries, such as Libya and Chad, have also expressed concern about the repercussions of the crisis on common borders, trade and bilateral relations. Therefore, resolving the conflict in Sudan requires joint international and regional efforts to end the hostilities and restore political dialogue between the conflicting parties. It also requires strengthening security and border cooperation between the countries of the region to confront the threat of extremism and terrorism.

For his part, Sudanese political analyst Bashir Mohieddin said that strengthening internal security and reducing chaos and armed conflicts between the various forces is important to confront the threat of terrorism in Sudan.

He added in a statement to the Reference that it is also necessary to improve the economic and social situation and provide job opportunities, education and health services for citizens, as well as the implementation of the law, the fight against corruption and impunity, and the strengthening of state sovereignty.

Mohieddin also stressed the need for strengthening regional and international cooperation with neighboring countries and partners in combating terrorism, while achieving a peaceful settlement of border disputes with Ethiopia and other countries.