The Sudanese Memory: Army Officers Tip the Scale Towards Independence

Seventy years after the declaration of self-governance and the formation of Sudan’s first national government paving the way for independence, the late President Ismail Al-Azhari remains a shining symbol of the selflessness and greatness of Sudanese leaders who led the nation to freedom from all forms of colonialism. Al-Azhari was the central figure in a distinguished group of men who achieved complete independence for Sudan.

Under the leadership of the July 23, 1952, Revolution, Egypt sought reconciliation with various Sudanese political forces, moving beyond a bitter history of exploitation by successive Turkish-Egyptian and British-Egyptian administrations.

This effort materialized with General Mohamed Naguib’s promise to pro-independence Sudanese parties, granting them the right to self-determination while also working to unite federalist parties advocating a partnership with Egypt. Each party had its vision for this partnership.

Naguib’s efforts bore fruit as three federalist parties merged to form the National Unionist Party (NUP), with Al-Azhari as its leader. The July 23 Revolution provided political support to Al-Azhari and Sudan, notably in a memorandum to the British government regarding Sudan’s self-governance and self-determination. Egypt’s efforts culminated in the Sudan Agreement, signed on February 12, 1953, between Naguib and British Ambassador Sir Ralph Stevenson.

The Self-Governance Agreement outlined clear steps: elections, forming a transitional parliament and government to implement Sudanization and British withdrawal, followed by a referendum on self-determination and drafting a permanent constitution.

Aware of the complexities and risks of a referendum, Al-Azhari sought an alternative to achieve unity among Sudanese citizens, win over his political adversaries, and force the Anglo-Egyptian Condominium powers to accept the new reality.

The agreement led to elections overseen by a seven-member committee. Al-Azhari’s diligent efforts paid off:

Election results (House of Representatives):

National Unionist Party: 50 seats (out of 97)

Umma Party: 22 seats

Independents: 12 seats

Southern Liberals: 9 seats

Socialist Republican Party: 3 seats

Communists: 1 seat

Election results (Senate):

National Unionist Party: 22 seats (out of 30)

Umma Party: 3 seats

Independents: 2 seats

On January 9, 1954, Al-Azhari formed Sudan’s first national government, taking over from British colonial rule that had dominated since 1882.

A notable episode highlighting Al-Azhari’s character is recounted by Abdul Rahman Ahmed Mahdi in his book, Stories About the Human Leader Ismail Al-Azhari. During a historic parliamentary session to elect him as Prime Minister, Al-Azhari, despite his joy, personally helped Sheikh Babiker Badri to his seat. A photograph of this moment published in The Times emphasized Al-Azhari’s focus on education even in pivotal moments.

Such anecdotes exemplify Al-Azhari’s unique approach as a leader. His contributions were often underrepresented in both foreign and local historiography, despite being considered an exemplary statesman who balanced methodical governance with a deep connection to his people.

According to Professor Mohamed Omer Bashir, Al-Azhari embodied perseverance, loyalty, Sudanese identity, and a methodical approach to leadership. Sir Gawain Bell, the last British Undersecretary of the Interior before independence, also praised Al-Azhari’s warmth, ambition, and composure, describing him as a difficult yet admirable counterpart during the transition period.

The events of March 1954 profoundly influenced Al-Azhari’s pragmatic outlook. Despite pressure from extremist supporters, he maintained a balanced approach. Sir Robert Howe, then Governor-General of Sudan, acknowledged Al-Azhari’s tolerance and diplomatic handling of sensitive issues, such as reducing death sentences for opposition leaders.

The referendum on self-determination posed three options: full independence, remaining part of the British Commonwealth, or federation with Egypt. While federalists initially held the majority, the situation shifted when members of the armed forces, led by influential officers, vowed to intervene militarily if full independence was not achieved.

According to Colonel Mohyeddin Ahmed Abdullah in his book For History and the Sake of History, army officers played a pivotal role in securing Sudan’s independence. Their resolve dissuaded political factions from adopting positions that could derail independence efforts.

In December 1955, Al-Azhari assured parliament that Sudan’s independence would be declared without foreign agreements or undue influence. On January 1, 1956, Sudan officially declared its independence, marking the culmination of Al-Azhari’s strategic and diplomatic efforts.

This moment highlighted Al-Azhari’s vision of achieving independence through unity and perseverance, firmly establishing him as a cornerstone of Sudanese history.