Anglo-Egyptian sovereignty & the Republic

In 1899 the Egyptian and British governments signed an agreement, making provision for their joint sovereignty in Sudan. This was known as the Anglo-Egyptian Condominium Agreement.

British control of the Sudan remained in place until 1950, despite growing demands by the Egyptians for British withdrawal. Support for the demands were fuelled by political groups that favoured an attempt to give the Sudanese people an opportunity for self-government.

In 1953, the two governments signed an agreement allowing a three-year transitional period leading to total Sudanese independence. The first Sudanese elections were held late in 1953 and the first all-Sudanese government took office in 1954. The new Republic of the Sudan was born.