The Islamic Movement in Sudan officially mourns the loss of Jamal Mohammed Hassanin, known as “Zamkan,” who was one of its prominent organizational figures. He was assassinated at his residence on Friday by a force from the Rapid Support Forces. The authorities refused to hand over his body to his family until a substantial amount of money was paid.
Zamkan’s killing has sparked widespread reactions among Islamic groups, with many paying tribute to his contributions over more than two decades. He was one of the key officers in the Islamic Movement’s security apparatus and graduated from the Engineering College at the University of Khartoum, along with former Director of Security, Salah Gosh, and his deputy, Hasaballah Omar.
Throughout his career, he ascended within the security apparatus until he reached the rank of brigadier general before retiring. He was often described as the “black box” of the Islamic organization, operating behind the scenes and assigned with numerous tasks related to developing the communications sector. He was also a prominent founder of the “Yarmouk” weapons production factory and served as the director of the engineering company “Giad,” being one of the pioneers of the People’s Security establishment.
Sources closely associated with the Islamic Movement claim that a dispute arose between Zamkan and Gosh when the latter took control of the Special Operations Division within the apparatus, persuading the then director, Nafi Ali Nafi. As a result, Zamkan and Emad Hussein, the former director of Sudatel Communications Company, were transferred to the technical department. In response to what they perceived as marginalization, they jointly embarked on creating a success story known as the “military manufacturing.”
Another disagreement occurred when the leaders of the apparatus granted the “Sarya” industrial complex, one of the most successful military manufacturing investments belonging to businessman Salah Idris, which further angered Zamkan. Consequently, he decided to distance himself and devote his time to managing his private business.
Following the internal conflicts within the Islamic Movement in 1999, Zamkan aligned himself with President Omar al-Bashir’s faction but remained emotionally attached to the late leader of the movement, Hassan al-Turabi.
According to family sources, Zamkan’s residence in the upscale neighborhood of Ragi in southeast Khartoum was raided by a Rapid Support Forces unit on Friday, as he stubbornly refused to evacuate the house despite the ongoing clashes in the area. He stayed there alone for three months after his family had been evacuated. Zamkan resisted the Rapid Support Forces for an extended period, exchanging gunfire until they ultimately fatally shot him.
The Rapid Support Forces subsequently refused to hand over Zamkan’s body for burial, demanding a large sum of money. The family complied with the demand, enabling them to finally bury him in the Jareef area on Friday evening.
Ali Ahmed Karti, the Secretary-General of the Islamic Movement, mourned Zamkan in a statement, hailing him as a shining example of dedication and distinction, a pillar of Sudan’s military manufacturing. He emphasized Zamkan’s indelible impact on Sudan’s journey of achievements, standing alongside other martyrs who sacrificed for the cause. Zamkan’s life came to an end, embracing martyrdom after enduring a three-month siege and a life journey spanning over 65 years. His departure was as he had wished.
