Muslim Brotherhood Divisions Worsen… Rising Conflict between London and Istanbul Factions
A well-informed source on the developments within the Muslim Brotherhood has revealed that disputes between the movement’s two wings, in London and Istanbul, have reached a point of no return amid an ongoing power struggle over influence and financial resources. The source confirmed that a series of internal defections is threatening the organization with unprecedented fragmentation, as each faction seeks to assert its control and eliminate the other.
Deep Division and Mutual Accusations
According to the source, the crisis within the movement escalated after the ousting of the old Guidance Office leadership and the rise of Ibrahim Munir as the leader of the London faction, which declared itself the sole legitimate representative of the organization.
In response, the Istanbul faction refused to recognize his legitimacy, maintaining allegiance to Mahmoud Hussein and a group of leaders residing in Turkey. This dispute effectively split the organization into two rival factions.
The source indicated that the conflict is no longer just an administrative dispute but has evolved into public accusations of betrayal and conspiracy. The London faction accuses its rivals in Istanbul of attempting to monopolize the organization’s financial resources, while the Istanbul faction accuses the London faction of being “subservient to foreign agendas” and deviating from the movement’s established principles.
Internal Rebellion and Growing Defections
The source added that recent tensions have led many young members and organizational cadres to defect or suspend their activities, particularly due to what they describe as “a lack of unified vision” and “a struggle for personal interests.”
In recent weeks, collective resignations have been announced in several European countries, with former officials publicly severing ties with the movement in protest against its deteriorating state.
The source confirmed that some mid-level leaders are attempting to establish a new independent entity separate from both warring factions. This development poses an existential threat to the organization, which has never witnessed such deep divisions since its founding.
Mediation Efforts… to No Avail
The source revealed that internal and external mediation efforts have taken place over the past few months in an attempt to bridge the gap between the two sides. Prominent Muslim Brotherhood figures abroad intervened in hopes of reaching a unification agreement. However, all attempts failed due to both factions’ refusal to compromise.
The London faction, which enjoys some level of European support, views itself as the most legitimate. Meanwhile, the Istanbul faction relies on its strategic location near the Arab world, in addition to possessing influential media outlets.
An Uncertain Future… Is the Organization Headed for Disintegration?
According to the source, current scenarios suggest that the internal conflict is likely to persist for a long time, with an increasing possibility of new entities emerging from the ongoing divisions.
He adds that the movement has lost much of its influence in the regional political landscape and that its popularity has declined among its members, particularly due to its failure to present a unified vision beyond personal disputes.
The source concluded by stating that the coming period may witness further defections and possibly the end of the movement in its traditional form, unless a miracle manages to reunify its ranks.
