The Self-Determination Process in Sudan Towards the End of the Condominium

Abstract

Upon the Mahdiyya era having been closed in 1899, a new period in Sudan called Condominium, designating the joint administration of England and Egypt, was entered in Sudan. This period, witnessing the struggle of both parties for influence evolved to a political state where British authorities were effectual. However, this ceaseless struggle for influence between the two countries carried on until the self-determination process of Sudan. Moreover, the contribution made by this contest to the self-determination process of Sudan is well-credited. The Anglo-Egyptian tussle could not avert the submission of the new generation in Sudan to independence in the years to follow. Just like in the whole World, the demand for independence in Sudan has been called out since 1940s. As a response to the irrepressible demand for independence, England gradually initiated the process which would lead to Sudan’s autonomy, and ultimately its independence. Sudan gaining an autonomous status in 1953 caused political parties to increase their efficacy. This process also facilitated an electoral system in Sudan based on self-governance for the first time. As a result of the general elections held towards the end of 1953, Ismail al-Azhari became the first Prime Minister of Sudan having won the elections. A short while later, the British and Egyptian bureaucrats serving in Sudan began to be replaced by the Sudanese. Upon constitutional regulations, total independence of Sudan was enacted by the Sudanese Parliament on 1 January 1956. Thus, the Sudanese owned an independent country the future of which they would determine like the countries in the rest of the world.