Is there any way for the Mahdist regime of 19th century Sudan, created by Mahdi claimant Muhammad Ahmad Bin Abd Allah, to survive till at least the middle of the 20th century as a sovereign entity? Perhaps through its first Mahdi living longer and better sorting his succession?
If so, then how does it affect power dynamics in Africa? Out of sheer pragmatism, will the Sudanese decide to ally with the Ethiopians? IIRC, the King of Ethiopia, IOTL, wished to make a convenience alliance with the Mahdi, but this request was rebuffed by the latter, who instead declared jihad against the former. As the Sudanese discover the necessities and advantages of realpolitik, will they decide to apologize to the Ethiopians eventually?
How will relations with the British go? And what about the Ottomans, who control Mecca and Medina?
Oh, and one related question: why didn't the regime of the Mahdi collapse immediately after his death, considering the eschatological appeal of the title?
If so, then how does it affect power dynamics in Africa? Out of sheer pragmatism, will the Sudanese decide to ally with the Ethiopians? IIRC, the King of Ethiopia, IOTL, wished to make a convenience alliance with the Mahdi, but this request was rebuffed by the latter, who instead declared jihad against the former. As the Sudanese discover the necessities and advantages of realpolitik, will they decide to apologize to the Ethiopians eventually?
How will relations with the British go? And what about the Ottomans, who control Mecca and Medina?
Oh, and one related question: why didn't the regime of the Mahdi collapse immediately after his death, considering the eschatological appeal of the title?
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