Discovering the root causes of the Uprising in Sudan, particularly in Southern Sudan, is crucial to understanding the historical context. The political and administrative landscape featured British colonization, the dominance of Northern governance, and the growing discontent among the Southern population.
Key factors included the limited representation of Southerners in Parliament, the disappointments from Sudanization policies, and the imposition of Arabic as the official language. These grievances fueled the demand for federation in the South and fueled clandestine meetings between various groups.
The trigger for the Uprising was the refusal of Southern soldiers to disarm and leave for Khartoum without their weapons, leading to a mutiny that escalated into a full-scale rebellion primarily in Equatoria. While Bahr el Ghazal remained relatively calm, Upper Nile saw no significant support for the uprising.
The government’s swift response included arrests, trials, and executions of key figures involved in the Uprising. Repercussions were felt across all levels of society, with civilians and government officials facing harsh consequences, regardless of their roles during the uprising.
This historical account sheds light on the dynamics that led to the Uprising and the aftermath that shaped Sudan’s political landscape. It serves as a reminder of the complexities and consequences of discontent and resistance in a colonial context.