The formation of the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan was a significant geopolitical development in the late 19th century, marking the formal establishment of a joint British-Egyptian administration in Sudan. This came after decades of conflict, notably following the Mahdist War, which saw the rise of a local religious and military leader, Muhammad Ahmad, better known as the Mahdi, who led a rebellion against Anglo-Egyptian rule. In 1898, British forces under General Herbert Kitchener launched a campaign to re-establish control over Sudan, culminating in the decisive Battle of Omdurman. The victory was significant not just militarily but symbolically, as it demonstrated the effectiveness of modern military tactics against traditional forces.

By the end of the campaign, the British authorities and the Egyptian government sought to establish a more stable and cooperative governance framework in Sudan. The Anglo-Egyptian Sudan was established as a condominium, meaning that both British and Egyptian officials shared control. The British maintained real power through military governance while allowing some degree of local administration. This dual control sought to balance colonial interests with Egyptian public opinion and aimed for a degree of legitimacy among the local population.

The arrangement marked a new chapter in the history of Sudan, paving the way for future governance practices and the eventual establishment of full British control. The implications of the Anglo-Egyptian administration would last for decades, significantly influencing Sudan’s socio-political landscape as well as British colonial policy in Africa. The integration of Sudan into the British Empire furthered the activities of missionaries, explorers, and traders in the region, forever altering its demographic and cultural fabric.