In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and prayers and peace be upon His noble Messenger.

This excellent and well-chosen study was originally a Master's thesis in African Studies, and the examiners recommended its publication. Fortunately, it comes within the research presented before the conference on "Islam in Africa." This may raise the question: What is the connection of the role of the Sudan Defence Force to Islam in Africa? The answer is simple and lies in the fact that Sudan's independence resulted from two factors: The first factor is the political achievement and struggle of the Graduates' Congress, which exerted pressure on the two ruling powers of the condominium that the Sudanese were qualified to achieve their independence and manage their country's affairs.

However, perhaps the greater impact lies in the performance of the Sudan Defence Force during the war in Ethiopia and Eritrea, which is the second factor. This created a debt that was due to the British Empire in fulfillment of the struggle of the Sudan Defence Force and in fulfillment of the slogans of self-determination raised by the Allies, who promised that they would grant the peoples of the colonies the right to self-determination after the Second World War.

Therefore, it can be said that the achievement of Sudan's independence represents an achievement for the Islamic movement in Africa, just as the achievements of the Sudan Defence Force in liberating Ethiopia and Eritrea are considered an Islamic contribution in supporting oppressed peoples who fell under the yoke of the fascist Italian grip.

Whether this thesis is accepted or there is another opinion about it, it also represents a contribution to building the contemporary history of Sudan and the history of the Sudanese Armed Forces, which granted Sudan independence.

In conclusion, we extend our thanks to Engineer Yousif Ahmed Yousif, Director General of Hogglig Petroleum Company, for his contribution to printing this research.

And peace.

Dr. Hassan Makki Mohamed Ahmed Dean of the Institute of African Studies Saturday, November 20, 2006, corresponding to Shawwal 20, 1427 AH.