FLAG OF SUDAN: HISTORY AND MEANING - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The flag of Sudan has a green triangular design on its left side, which is associated with the Arab countries, mainly because it is related to the Muslim religion. It also has a red stripe, one white and one black.

Although Sudan managed to gain its autonomy in 1960, its first official flag began to be flown in the mid-1950s. Its first national banner did not feature the Pan-Arab colors, and it was not until after the 1969 Revolution that Sudan adopted its current flag.

Current flag of the Democratic Republic of the Sudan (1970 - Present). National flag not subjected to copyright restrictions.

This flag is the national banner that represents the northern Sudanese territory, after the official separation of South Sudan in 2005. Like many other Arab flags, the national flag of Sudan displays the Pan-Arab tricolor, with the upper red stripe, the central white, and the lower black.

History

Flag of the Sudan Madista (1881 - 1889)

The Sudan Madista emerged as a consequence of a military and religious movement in the Sudan area, which was under Egyptian control for most of the 19th century.

After four years of an armed struggle that began in 1881, the Sudanese rebels managed to shed the dominion of the Egyptians (who were under the rule of the Ottoman Empire). Thus, the new government was formed under the name of Sudan Mahdista, which was a state that lasted no more than a decade in Sudanese territory.

For the first four years of its existence, the Sudan Madista struggled against the internal influence of the Egyptians until finally self-government could be established. However, the state only lasted four years, then fell into the hands of the Anglo-Egyptian troops in 1889, who ended the government of the country.

The flag that was used was, mainly, the red, blue and beige flag with the inscription of the Madista movement in its center.

Flag of the Mahdist Sudan (1881 - 1889). By Samhanin - Own work, source: The British Museum. Wikimedia Commons.

Flags of the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan (1889 - 1956)

Anglo-Egyptian Sudan lasted for more than 50 years in which all Sudanese territory came under the control of the British and the Egyptians. The agreement reached by both countries was that Sudan would be under the territorial domain of the United Kingdom, but Egypt would have local influence over the territory of the country.

Therefore, during the time that Sudan belonged to this organization (which included both world wars), the flag of the United Kingdom was used as the official flag of the nation. In addition, a green flag with a crescent moon and three stars was used to denote the Muslim identity of the country.

Flags of the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan (1889 - 1956). By Abjiklam. Wikimedia Commons.

First flag of the Republic of the Sudan (1956 - 1970)

Until 1955, the local Sudanese government had tried to unify the country with Egypt, but after the movement failed, Sudan achieved its independence in 1956. The country was renamed "Republic of the Sudan", the first time in more than a century that the country was not subdued by foreign forces and governed itself autonomously.

The conservative Sudanese political party sought to unify with Egypt, but Parliament passed a declaration of independence and the country was subject to internal political conflict during its first years of government autonomy. However, the country has remained independent to this day.

The flag that Sudan adopted was a blue, yellow and green tricolor, this being the only flag of the Republic that did not present the Pan-Arab tricolor in its design.

First flag of the Republic of the Sudan (1956 - 1970). Image not subjected to copyright restrictions.

Current flag of Sudan and previous flag of the Democratic Republic of the Sudan (since 1970)

In 1969, Colonel Jaafar an Nimeir and another group of junior officers carried out a coup to depose the Sudanese government and seize power in the country. An Nimeir remained as president after the success of the coup, which was supported by Arab nationalists and conservative Sudanese parties.

The Pan-Arab tricolor flag was adopted and the triangle was added on the left side so as not to lose the green of the lower strip of the previous banner. This change demonstrates the new government's support for the unification of the Arab nations.

Furthermore, it was during the period of the Democratic Republic of the Sudan that the country began to have internal conflicts with the southern regions of the nation. This subsequently led to a civil war and the eventual separation of the southern territories of Sudan.

Current flag of the Democratic Republic of the Sudan (1970 - Present). National flag not subjected to copyright restrictions.

Flag of South Sudan (since 2005)

South Sudan is the country that most recently declared autonomy and that is recognized by most of the countries of the world. Following political differences and civil wars within Sudan, a peace agreement was signed in Kenya in 2005 between the leaders of the southern Sudanese territories and the northern Sudanese government.

Thus, in 2005, Sudan recognized the southern territory as an independent nation and the entire process became formalized in 2011, when most countries in the world recognized South Sudan as an autonomous region.

Flag of South Sudan (2005 - Present). National flag not subjected to copyright restrictions.

Meaning

The main meaning of the colors of the Sudan flag lies in the use of the pan-Arab tricolor, which is used by Arab countries to show solidarity with each other. However, in addition to the emblematic meaning of the three colors, each one also represents a specific idea within the social beliefs of the Sudanese.

The red color of the Sudan flag symbolizes the effort that the country's martyrs have had to make to achieve independence, after many years of fighting against external forces. The white stripe in the center represents the peace and optimism that governs the Sudanese people.

The black color of the flag represents the entire country itself, as "Sudan" means "black" in the local Arabic language. The triangle located in the part near the mast symbolizes the Muslim religion, which is the official religion of the country.

References

1. Flag of the Sudan, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2018. Taken from Britannica.com
2. What Do The Colors And Symbols Of The Flag Of Sudan Mean ?, World Atlas Website, (nd). Taken from worldatlas.com
3. Sudan Historical Flags, CRW Flags Website, (nd). Taken from crwflags.com
4. Flag of Sudan, Wikipedia, 2019. Taken from Wikipedia.org
5. History of Sudan, Wikipedia, 2019. Taken from Wikipedia.org
6. South Sudan, Wikipedia, 2019. Taken from Wikipedia.org