World War I

In July 1914, Britain, its allies, and its colonies entered into a war against Germany, its allies, and its colonies. Both sides committed all their economic and military resources to the war effort. The Governor-General of Sudan, Sir Reginald Wingate, declared Sudan's support for Britain. Furthermore, British policy, which effectively controlled Egypt, brought Egypt into the war alongside Britain and the Allies.

The system of governance in Egypt under British occupation was unique. Nominal sovereignty belonged to Turkey, formal authority rested with the Khedive of Egypt, and actual control was in the hands of the British Consul, Lord Cromer.

The Condominium Agreement transferred this unique system to Sudan. Sudan was, in form, under condominium rule, but in substance, under British control. The Egyptian army, which Britain had overseen the training of after the occupation, was responsible for the defense of Sudan. A sufficient force was stationed there to maintain security and defense in Sudan. The Governor-General of Sudan, and Kitchener held these two titles and they passed to Wingate. Thus, Sudan's resources were mobilized during the war for the benefit of the British Empire. The Sudanese soldier, conscripted into the Egyptian army, fought outside his homeland, and Sudan's products were sold to Britain at prices equivalent to their peacetime rates.

Turkey's Entry into the War

Turkey's entry into the war alongside Germany posed a significant political threat to Britain in the Islamic world. When Turkey decided to enter the war, the Ottoman Caliph convened his council and issued a fatwa declaring that a holy war was obligatory against Britain and its allies. He declared it and wrote to Muslims everywhere he had knowledge and connection, calling them to jihad against Britain and its allies.

Britain moved quickly to counter this trend as soon as it realized that Turkey would enter the war against it.

The Governor-General of Sudan toured the country's regions, wrote to tribal leaders and religious sheikhs, calling for support for British policy, explaining the invalidity of Germany's cause, and asserting that Turkey had not entered the war in defense of Islam or out of religious zeal, but rather out of subservience to the Germans. He also emphasized Britain's respect for Islam and Muslims and appealed to the people for support and loyalty to the government of Sudan.

Wingate also gathered the notables of Sudan, religious sheikhs, and scholars at the Turkish Serai, severing any connection to the protection of Islam, and requested their loyalty to the government of Sudan. The attendees responded with support.