New faces and substitute arms: the Muslim Brotherhood’s plan to conceal itself from terrorism designation
A new maneuver is being pursued by the Muslim Brotherhood, listed as a terrorist organization in several countries, in an attempt to evade successive measures aimed at banning its activities.
From changing organizational fronts and entities to creating alternative structures that appear unrelated to the group, and promoting previously unknown leaders, the organization is attempting to obscure its networks and mislead security agencies monitoring its activities.
This is the current landscape: the Muslim Brotherhood and its international organization have begun implementing a plan to conceal the structure of its organization and reshape its known networks, alongside the United States’ review of its activities, which has already resulted in the banning of four of its branches worldwide.
During a meeting of the Brotherhood’s international organization in Lahore, Pakistan, last November, the leadership approved a comprehensive restructuring plan, including the creation of alternative fronts with no visible connection to the group.
The plan also includes promoting new leaders who meet specific criteria, notably being previously unknown and lacking any security or politically sensitive records, particularly in Europe, to manage current and future portfolios.
However, implementation of the plan also reveals an internal power struggle within the group, as Mahmoud Al-Ebiary, Secretary-General of the international organization and head of the European sector, seeks to tighten his control by placing loyal figures in key executive positions, forming a support bloc for his bid to become acting leader.
Sources say the “rebranding” plan was designed by Al-Ebiary with participation from several international leaders, including Iraqi figure Anas Al-Tikriti.
The plan is not limited to changing the group’s public image but also includes strategic repositioning in countries considered safe havens, including Iran, which the Brotherhood reportedly seeks to leverage in exchange for improving Tehran’s image in the Arab world.
Substitute leadership: rising second and third tiers
Sources indicate that the so-called “London faction” led by Salah Abdel Haq has recently promoted a number of new figures to organizational roles for a one-year term, while senior leaders retain their positions but withdraw from public visibility.
First-tier leaders are expected to gradually disappear from media and propaganda roles, with the exception of Helmy El-Gazzar, who will remain the group’s public-facing figure.
Meanwhile, second- and third-tier cadres are being elevated as new public faces after years of resistance from traditional leadership.
Among those promoted are Yahya Saad Farhat and Mohamed Affan.
The group is also integrating academics into advisory and media roles as part of an effort to broaden its outreach.
Notably, Yahya Saad Farhat was previously convicted in a case related to prison break incidents in January 2011, involving allegations of coordination with regional actors, meaning his security record is not free of controversy.
The Brotherhood is also relying on academic figures such as Saif El-Din Abdel Fattah for political consultations.
Restructuring foreign offices and networks
As part of the ongoing overhaul, Amr Fayed is leading the restructuring of the political bureau in coordination with Helmy El-Gazzar, who serves as general supervisor, while Fayed handles executive leadership.
In Turkey, the group’s largest overseas office has appointed Amr Taman as its new head.
One of the most significant changes involves restructuring the Egyptian Brotherhood’s expatriate network, including separating its European sector under the direct supervision of Mahmoud Al-Ebiary.
He now controls the financial resources of the Brotherhood’s European network.
Sources also indicate ongoing changes in financial transfer systems, membership contributions, and affiliated companies.
Finally, discussions are underway to appoint new heads for the remaining regional branches, particularly in Africa, with meetings expected after Eid al-Adha to finalize leadership changes.
