Former Sudanese president Nimeiry dies at 79

Former Sudanese president Gaafar Muhammad Nimeiry died, media reports said.Nimeiry was 79.

Former Sudanese president Gaafar Muhammad Nimeiry died on Saturday, media reports said.

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No cause of death was given. Nimeiry was 79.

Nimeiry took control of Sudan 40 years ago and ruled until he was deposed in a bloodless coup by current Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir in 1985.

He returned to Sudan in 1999 after living in exile in Egypt. He was viewed as pro-Western and one of the few Arabic rules who supported peace between Israel and Egypt.