Ahmed Haroun, a prominent Sudanese Islamist leader, has been arrested in Khartoum after revealing ties between his party and the Sudanese military. Haroun, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur, gave an interview on November 6 in which he acknowledged a military convergence between his party and the forces of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
In the interview with "Soudan Podcast", Haroun explained that the relationship between his party and the military was based on a common objective to combat the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He stated that their differences in governance and economic orientations were secondary to the demands of war. This revelation contrasts with the official position of the Port-Sudan authorities, who deny any political alliance with Islamists or the National Congress Party.
Haroun's statements align with previous reports suggesting Islamist networks are involved in the war effort alongside the Sudanese army. A Reuters investigation in July 2025 documented the role of Islamist groups in supporting military operations against the RSF. The investigation cited interviews with Islamist officials, military sources, and government representatives. Haroun had previously stated that his party aimed to regain power through elections once the war ended.
According to a document cited by Reuters, networks linked to the Islamist movement reportedly mobilized between 2,000 and 3,000 fighters during the conflict's first year. Some military sources estimated around 5,000 fighters affiliated with the party. The document also mentioned the formation of civilians, with over 70,000 participating in operations. However, Haroun contested the document's authenticity and accuracy.
Haroun's arrest was announced on November 8, two days after his interview. A National Congress Party official confirmed to Radio Tamazuj that he was detained by military intelligence services. Reuters reported his detention, citing two party officials, but the reasons for his arrest were not immediately known. The location of his arrest was also disputed, with some sources reporting it occurred in Omdourman.
The timing of Haroun's arrest, following his public statements, has sparked criticism from the opposition. Khaled Omar Youssef, a figure in the Somoud political alliance, described the arrest as a "bad staging" that did not deceive anyone. Youssef claimed Haroun had remained in Sudan under the protection of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan since his release from prison after the war began.
The arrest of Ahmed Haroun raises questions about the relationship between Islamist groups and the Sudanese military. It also highlights the complexities of the conflict in Sudan, where various political and military actors are involved. The ICC has been seeking Haroun for years, and his arrest may have significant implications for the country's ongoing conflict and its relations with the international community.
Key points
- Ahmed Haroun, an Islamist leader wanted by the ICC, was arrested in Sudan after revealing ties between his party and the military.
- Haroun's arrest has sparked criticism from the opposition, who question the timing and motives behind the detention.
- The arrest highlights the complexities of the conflict in Sudan, where various political and military actors are involved.
