History of Sudan in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 28, 2025

Sudan, officially the Republic of the Sudan, is a country in Northeast Africa bordering seven other countries and the Red Sea. With a population of approximately 50 million as of 2024, it is Africa's third-largest country by area, covering 1,886,068 square kilometers. Khartoum serves as its capital and most populous city.

1905: Sultan Yambio Ends Struggle with British Forces

In 1905, Sultan Yambio ended his struggle with British forces occupying the Kordofan region.

1914: Sir Reginald Wingate Occupies Sudan

In December 1914, Sir Reginald Wingate was sent to occupy Sudan as the new Military Governor, following a formal end to Ottoman rule.

1924: British Policy of Separate Territories

From 1924, the British had a policy of running Sudan as two separate territories: the north and the south.

1925: Formation of the Sudan Defence Force

In 1925, the Sudan Defence Force was formed.

1927: Death of Saad Zaghloul

In 1927, Saad Zaghloul died, frustrated in his ambitions for a single Egyptian-Sudanese state.

1928: Peak in Sudanese Government Revenue

In 1928, the Sudanese Government's revenue reached a peak at £6.6 million.

July 1936: Signing of the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty

In July 1936, Muhammed Mahmoud brought Wafd delegates to London to sign the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty, allowing the British Army to return to Sudan.

1940: Italian Troops Occupy Kassala

In 1940, Italian troops occupied Kassala and other border areas from Italian Somaliland.

1942: SDF Participates in Invasion of Italian Colony

In 1942, the SDF participated in the invasion of the Italian colony by British and Commonwealth forces.

1952: Egyptian Revolution and Sudanese Independence

In 1952, the Egyptian revolution marked the beginning of the march towards Sudanese independence.

1952: Egyptian Revolution

In 1952, the Egyptian revolution toppled the monarchy and demanded the withdrawal of British forces from Egypt and Sudan.

1953: Egypt Abolishes Monarchy

In 1953, Egypt abolished the monarchy, with new leaders believing that abandoning claims of sovereignty was the only way to end British domination in Sudan.

January 1956: Sudan Declared an Independent State

On January 1, 1956, Sudan was declared an independent state.

January 1956: Sudanese Flag Raised

On January 1, 1956, the Egyptian and British flags were lowered, and the new Sudanese flag was raised by Prime Minister Ismail al-Azhari.

1956: British Policy of Separate Territories

The British Policy of running Sudan as two separate territories ended in 1956, when Sudan became independent.

May 1969: Coup d'état Led by Gaafar Nimeiry

On May 25, 1969, a coup d'état led by Col. Gaafar Nimeiry resulted in the abolishment of parliament and outlawing of all political parties.

July 1971: Briefly Successful Coup Led by Sudanese Communist Party

In July 1971, a briefly successful coup led by the Sudanese Communist Party occurred, followed by Nimeiry's restoration to power.

1972: Addis Ababa Agreement

In 1972, the Addis Ababa Agreement led to a cessation of the north-south civil war and a degree of self-rule.

1972: Government Plans to Export Food and Cash Crops

In 1972, the Sudanese government became more pro-Western and made plans to export food and cash crops.

1976: Ansars Mount Unsuccessful Coup Attempt

In 1976, the Ansars mounted a bloody but unsuccessful coup attempt.

July 1977: Nimeiry Meets with Ansar Leader

In July 1977, President Nimeiry met with Ansar leader Sadiq al-Mahdi, opening the way for a possible reconciliation.

1978: IMF Negotiates Structural Adjustment Program

In 1978, the IMF negotiated a Structural Adjustment Program with the Sudanese government.

1983: Application of Islamic Laws

From 1983, Islamic laws were applied in Sudan.

June 1989: Military Coup Led by Omar al-Bashir

On June 30, 1989, Colonel Omar al-Bashir led a bloodless military coup, suspending political parties and introducing an Islamic legal code.

1989: Military Dictatorship Led by Omar al-Bashir

In 1989, a 30-year-long military dictatorship led by Omar al-Bashir began in Sudan.

October 1993: al-Bashir Appoints Himself President

On October 16, 1993, al-Bashir appointed himself "President" and disbanded the Revolutionary Command Council.

1996: General Election

In the 1996 general election, al-Bashir was the only candidate by law to run for election and Sudan became a one-party state.

2000: Dissolution and State of Emergency

Before the 2000 presidential election, al-Turabi introduced a bill to reduce the President's powers, prompting al-Bashir to order a dissolution and declare a state of emergency. Hassan al-Turabi was jailed later that year.