Sudanese Salafis and the “Battle of Dignity”

Hassan Abdelhamid
It is an established fact—disputed only by the obstinate or the conspiratorial—that the so-called “Battle of Dignity” against the Dagalo militia has involved Sudanese patriots defending the country’s dignity, identity, and sovereign decision-making against those seeking to violate them. This reality, the author argues, has become clear despite what he describes as an extensive media campaign disseminating misinformation through various outlets, allegedly supported by regional actors and amplified by local voices. In his view, such narratives have failed to convince the Sudanese public, which he believes has come to see the conflict as targeting both the state and society, with the involvement of local and external forces.
The author further states that broad segments of Sudanese society have mobilised in response, including groups that some had assumed would remain distant from armed participation. Among these, he highlights Sudanese Salafis, noting that—contrary to expectations—many, particularly younger members and some clerics, have taken part in the fighting.
As an illustrative example, he refers to a statement issued on 7 April 2026 by leaders of the Ansar al-Sunna group, including Dr Abdelkarim al-Baqir and his deputy Dr Mohamed al-Amin Ismail, mourning a member of the group who died in the fighting in Al-Dilling. The statement, according to the author, explicitly described the death as occurring within the “Battle of Dignity.”
The author presents this as evidence that Salafis in Sudan have participated in the conflict alongside the armed forces and allied groups, and that segments of their leadership endorse such participation. He frames this involvement as part of a broader national mobilisation that transcends political, organisational, and ideological divisions.
He concludes by expressing the hope that those influenced by what he characterises as misleading media narratives will reassess their views, and he offers prayers for the success of the armed forces, allied units, and various popular resistance formations.

Shortlink: https://sudanhorizon.com/?p=12691