Republic of Sudan (1956–1969)

The Republic of Sudan (1956–1969) refers to the period in Sudanese history following its independence from Anglo-Egyptian rule on January 1, 1956, and preceding the May Revolution of 1969, which brought Gaafar Nimeiry to power. This era was characterized by a parliamentary democracy struggling with political instability, ethnic tensions, and economic challenges.

Following independence, Sudan adopted a parliamentary system modeled on the British Westminster system. Political power was largely concentrated in the hands of the educated elite, primarily from the northern and central regions of the country. This led to resentment and marginalization among other ethnic groups, particularly in the South, contributing to the First Sudanese Civil War which began in 1955, even before formal independence.

The period saw a succession of coalition governments, often short-lived and plagued by infighting. Key political parties included the Umma Party, traditionally linked to the Ansar religious sect, and the National Unionist Party (NUP), later renamed the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which had ties to the Khatmiyya sect. These parties and their various factions vied for control of the government, leading to frequent changes in leadership and policy.

The economy during this period was primarily agrarian, dependent on cotton exports. Attempts to diversify the economy were hindered by political instability and the ongoing civil war. Infrastructure development was limited, particularly in the South.

The First Sudanese Civil War (1955-1972), a conflict between the predominantly Arab and Muslim North and the largely Christian and animist South, was a defining feature of the period. The war arose from grievances over political and economic marginalization, as well as cultural and religious differences. Successive governments struggled to find a lasting solution to the conflict, with attempts at negotiation and reconciliation proving largely unsuccessful.

Growing discontent with the government's inability to resolve the civil war, coupled with economic stagnation and political corruption, created an environment ripe for military intervention. On May 25, 1969, a group of young officers led by Colonel Gaafar Nimeiry seized power in a bloodless coup, overthrowing the civilian government and establishing a revolutionary council. This marked the end of the Republic of Sudan (1956–1969) and the beginning of a new era under Nimeiry's rule.