Osman Digna

Osman Digna (c. 1836 – 1926) is a follower of the Mahdi in Sudan, and hails from the Hadendoa tribe of the Beja people.

His birthplace is unknown; Suakin was said to be the town where he was born.

When he is called Osman Ali, Osman Digna lives in Alexandria, Egypt, where he deals in the selling of slaves.

After the English force him to quit his business, he takes part in the revolt of Ahmed 'Urabi.

After the failure of that movement at the Battle of Tel al-Kebir (September 13, 1882), he attaches himself to the cause of the Mahdi.

About this time, he receives the name Digna because of the fullness of his beard.

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