Are the Muslim Brotherhood Regaining Influence in Sudanese Trade Unions?

In a move that has sparked widespread controversy across Sudan, the National Body for the Defense of Rights and Freedoms has filed a legal appeal with the Supreme Court in Port Sudan, challenging a decision issued by the General Registrar of Labor Organizations. The decision involves reinstating the executive offices of unions dissolved after the December 2019 revolution, turning them into preparatory committees.

• Calls to Designate the Islamic Movement Muslim Brotherhood in Sudan as a Terrorist Organization

• Killing Civilians and Looting Aid: Crimes Committed by the Army and the Muslim Brotherhood in Sudan

According to the body, the decision is a clear attempt to reinstate figures from the former regime, including prominent members of the Islamist movement and the Muslim Brotherhood, into union leadership—individuals who were removed following the revolution that ousted President Omar al-Bashir.

In an official statement obtained by Madamik, the organization argued that the decision violates current laws and the Constitutional Declaration established by the transitional government after the revolution, and represents a serious setback for the peaceful revolution’s achievements, which had restored legitimacy to independent unions.

• The Muslim Brotherhood in Sudan Seeks to Return to the Scene Through International Conferences… Details

• Amidst the Crimes of the Muslim Brotherhood in Sudan… The ICC Demands the Disclosure of Bashir and Haroun’s Whereabouts

The statement further noted that the decision fails to take into account the devastating impact of the ongoing war, which has destroyed union offices, displaced large numbers of union members, and brought trade union activity across civil institutions to a near standstill.

The body called on all trade unions and national professional associations to join the legal challenge to oppose the decision, in defense of union autonomy and to safeguard the gains of Sudan’s peaceful revolution.

• Power Sharing Deals… New Maneuvers by the Muslim Brotherhood in Sudan

• Reasons to classify the Muslim Brotherhood in Sudan as a “terrorist group”

In 2019, the Committee for the Dismantling of the Former Regime had issued a decree dissolving unions, freezing their assets, and installing temporary steering committees pending the enactment of a new labor union law. However, in November 2022, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of reinstating the unions and professional associations in their pre-revolution structure.

This recent development has reignited fears of a return to the era when trade unions were dominated by the Muslim Brotherhood and Islamist factions—a reality that stands in stark contrast to the revolution’s calls for union freedom and independence, and for a clear break from authoritarian structures of the past.

• The Brotherhood in Sudan return to the scene… Under the watchful eye and ear of the army!

• Igniting war and army destruction… New accusations haunt the Brotherhood in Sudan