Les Sultans De L'ombre

de Viviane Amina Yagi

The book narrates the history of Darfur-Western Sudan from 1874 to 1891; when the resistance was organized against foreign invaders, started with the Turks then the Mahdya. This resistance was organized around an unanimously recognized Sultan; who was one of the sons of the region. In general for the Darfurians, it was a matter of not letting foreigners to rule their country. The victory remained dubious; sometimes on their side and in others against them. The first few years, the involved forces were equal but the situation changed and finally Darfur became a province in Sudan. Professor Yagi researched the history of the Sultans in that period who said “NO” to any foreign interference in their internal affairs; and protect their people’s spirit of independence despite the risks of wars. This is a lesson drawn from the lives of these brave Darfuri Sultans, who even though lived in the shadow, were dazzling fighters. They failed, but disseminated among their people the importance of their freedom.