The military overthrew the Sudanese government on 25 May 1969 in a coup d'état led by Gaafar Nimeiry. The SCP gained influence in the new administration, and SCP policies, such as those pertaining to regional autonomy for the south, were adopted by the Nimeiry government.
The military takeover on May 25, 1969, led by Gaafar Nimeiry, resulted in the Sudan Communist Party (SCP) gaining influence and implementing policies of the SCP, including those concerning regional autonomy for the south, within the new Sudanese government.