 Prime Minister, 6 January, 1954 - 7 July, 1956 President, 8 July, 1965 - 25 May, 1969 Ismail Al-Azhari - 1902 - 1969 - A sudanese political leader. Born into a prominent family, Al-Azhari became president of the Sudan's first political organization, the Graduates General Congress in 1940, and then President of the National Unionist Party (NUP) in 1952. His opposition to British rule and support of unification with Egypt brought him national attention. As Prime minister (1954 - 1956), however, he led the Sudan to complete and separate independence in January 1956. Factionalism within his ruling party cost him his leadership role, and he was the opposition leader from 1956 to 1958. Following a six year period of military rule, of El Ferik Ibrahim Abboud regime, he was appointed president (1965), but was overthrown in a military coup in May 1969, by Gaafar Al-Numeiry. He died in 1969 while in custody. |