The Return of Mohamed Atta to the Political Scene… Reconfiguring Islamist Influence within State Institutions
Sudan has recently witnessed notable developments reflecting a reshaping of the balance of power within state institutions, amid an ongoing war and an increasingly complex political and security landscape. One of the most significant developments has been the return to Sudan of former intelligence chief Mohamed Atta, a move that has sparked widespread debate in political and media circles. It is widely viewed as an indication of new orientations within the military establishment regarding the reintegration of Islamist figures into positions of influence.
This return comes at a time when the military leadership is seeking to broaden its political and security base in order to secure control over key state institutions amid internal divisions. Observers argue that the re-emergence of figures with Islamist organizational backgrounds cannot be separated from attempts to reactivate old networks of influence that once managed state affairs during the years of the previous regime.
Political assessments suggest that Mohamed Atta’s return sends a clear message that the current associated with the Muslim Brotherhood remains firmly present within decision-making circles, and that the military establishment may be recalibrating its relationship with this current, viewing it as one of the most capable actors in providing organizational and administrative support during a period of conflict.
Analysts believe the move could pave the way for a series of subsequent measures, including the reinstatement of Islamist elements within security and administrative institutions, thereby consolidating the current’s influence within the state apparatus. This assessment is based on the demands of the current phase, which, according to some decision-making circles, requires reliance on cadres with extensive experience in managing sensitive agencies and sectors.
However, observers warn that such steps could lead to the reconstitution of a model of organizational control over state institutions, potentially reigniting concerns among political and civilian actors about the return—albeit in a renewed form—of previous governance patterns.
On the economic front, these developments intersect with notable external movements, including reports suggesting a potential opening of Sudan’s oil sector to Turkish companies. This shift appears to reflect an effort to realign economic partnerships in accordance with emerging political and military alliances.
Economic sources indicate that Turkish firms are seeking extensive concessions in exploration and production, at a time when the military government requires economic and technical support to offset the state’s declining capacity to manage the energy sector.
Experts argue that the entry of Turkish companies into the oil sector may extend beyond a conventional economic investment and form part of broader understandings encompassing political and military dimensions, particularly in light of reports of Turkish support for the military establishment.
These developments raise questions about the nature of potential trade-offs between external backing and economic privileges, as well as their implications for the management of national resources and economic sovereignty.
Amid the intertwining of security, political, and economic issues, Sudan appears to be entering a new phase of internal and external alliance restructuring, in which the return of Islamist leaders and the strengthening of regional partnerships will play a central role in shaping the contours of the coming period.
