Widening divisions in the Umma threaten the…
February 1968 CE
Sadiq al Mahdi's wing holds a majority in parliament and can thwart any government action.
When Mahgoub dissolves parliament Sadiq refuses to recognize the legitimacy of the prime minister's action.
An uneasy crisis develops: two governments function in Khartoum—one meeting in the parliament building and the other on its lawn—both of them claiming to represent the legislature's will.
The army commander requests clarification from the Supreme Court regarding which of them has authority to issue orders.
The court backs Mahgoub's dissolution; and the government schedules new elections for April.
