Azhari, Ismail Al-

Born Nov. 2, 1902; died Aug. 26, 1969. State and political figure in the Republic of the Sudan. Born into the family of a mufti (a high Muslim spiritual figure).

After graduating from Khartoum College and American University in Beirut, Azhari worked in the educational system. During 1939–40 he was secretary of the Congress of Graduates of Higher Educational Institutions, which was struggling to achieve the national independence of the Sudan; from 1940 to 1945 (with interruptions) he was chairman of this congress. From 1945 to 1952 he was chairman of the Brothers Party (al-Ashiqqa). From 1952 to December 1967 he served as chairman of the National Unionist Party. From December 1967 to May 1969 he was chairman of the Unionist Democratic Party. He served as prime minister of the transitional Sudanese government between Jan. 9, 1954, and Jan. 1, 1956. From Jan. 1 to July 4, 1956, he was prime minister of the first national government of the Sudan. He was chairman of the Supreme State Council of the Republic of the Sudan from June 1965 until the revolution of May 25, 1969.