Efforts to dismantle the Muslim Brotherhood’s influence in Africa are gaining momentum through coordinated actions by the United States and Kenya, focusing on the group’s financial infrastructure and domestic operations.

US Targets Financial Networks

In a strategic move, the US Treasury imposed sanctions on Mahmoud Al Abyari, a senior Muslim Brotherhood figure, aiming to disrupt complex cross-border fundraising and money transfer networks. These sanctions address the organisation’s use of charitable fronts and opaque banking channels to conceal funds, thereby cutting off critical financial support rather than merely reacting to isolated incidents.

Kenya’s Comprehensive Ban

Preceding the US sanctions, Kenya enacted the Terrorism Prevention Order 2025 in September 2025, officially banning the Muslim Brotherhood. The legislation criminalises membership, fundraising, financial backing, and the promotion of the group’s ideology. It also empowers security agencies to freeze assets, ban gatherings, and dismantle logistical networks within Kenya.

This law not only affects domestic operations but also carries regional significance. As a key Horn of Africa nation with a large Muslim population, Kenya’s stance may influence neighbouring countries to reconsider their approach to the Brotherhood.

Regional and International Impact

The Muslim Brotherhood’s regional presence spans Egypt, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa, with Egypt as its main hub and Sudan serving as a transit point. Kenya’s legislation effectively blocks the organisation’s access into East Africa.

The US measures focus on high-level leadership and international financial entities, while Kenya targets grassroots recruitment and fundraising. Together, these efforts create a dual-front approach:

  • From the north, US sanctions scrutinise financial flows linked to Egypt and Sudan.
  • From the east, Kenya enforces stringent domestic laws to prevent the organisation’s entrenchment.

Experts warn that tightening formal financial channels may push networks toward informal or disguised operations. Kenya’s broad legal framework aims to pre-empt such adaptations by enabling proactive security interventions.

Countries in Africa that have yet to implement similar measures may face increased pressure to act or risk becoming safe havens for the Brotherhood’s expanding networks.