Ansar–Khatmiyya rivalry

The Ansar–Khatmiyya rivalry, also known as al-Mahdi and al-Mirghani rivalry or the Two Sayyids rivalry, was a sectarian division in Sudan that shaped the country's political landscape after the end of the Mahdist State in 1899 and until the Kizan era in 1989.

The rivalry between the Ansar and Khatmiyya sects in Sudan dates back to the 19th century under Turco-Egyptian rule, which saw the rise of politically driven religious movements in Sudan. The Ansar, followers of Muhammad Ahmad al-Mahdi, established the Mahdist State in 1885, which was later overthrown in 1899 by Anglo-Egyptian forces. Meanwhile, the Khatmiyya sect, founded by Mohammed Uthman al-Mirghani al-Khatim in 1817, maintained close ties with Egyptian rulers and received colonial support.

During Sudan's colonial period, the British used both groups to manage the country, but tensions arose due to their differing visions for Sudan's future. The Ansar, led by Sayyid Abdul Rahman al-Mahdi, advocated for "Sudan for the Sudanese" and independence, while the Khatmiyya, led by Sayyid Ali al-Mirghani, supported unity with Egypt under the "Unity of the Nile Valley" slogan. These divisions deepened during Sudan's independence movement, with the Ansar aligning with the Umma Party and the Khatmiyya backing the National Unionist Party (NUP), later the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

Post-independence, their rivalry shaped Sudan's political landscape, contributing to political instability, coups, and factionalism. Both groups faced suppression during authoritarian regimes, especially under Gaafar Nimeiry and Omar al-Bashir. Their influence has waned in modern times, with divisions within their political wings limiting their role in Sudanese politics.