Anglo-Zanzibar war became the world shortest war on August 27, 1896 when the conflict only lasted for 38 minutes. It began at 9:00 local mean time and resulted in Hamoud bin Mohammed becoming the sultan, who is famous for his rule of abolishing slaves.

Sultanate of Zanzibar was formed in 1840 under the rule of Said bin Sultan. Zanzibar came under the control of Germany in 1885 when chiefs of the districts were forced to take Germany’s protection.

But few years later, the ownership changed when United Kingdom and Germany signed the Heligoland-Zanzibar Treaty in 1890 by which British got the control over Zanzibar and in return Germany got ownership over Caprivi Strip. According to the treaty, the sultanate ruler should get British’s permission before succeeding as sultan.

Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini, the previous sultan was pro-British. He suddenly died on 25 August 1896 and Khalid bin Bargash, his nephew was most likely suspect of his death succeeded him as sultan without British approval. But the British official preferred Hamoud bin Mohammed as he leaned more towards their interest.

Interestingly enough it was not his first attempt to get the throne, the last time he gave up after a warning from the British. Khalid was again warned to leave the post but he ignored the warning that time.

When British realized he will not give up, they took action and moved their navy near Zanzibar. British had two cruisers, three gunboats along with marines. On the Zanzibar side, Zanzibar palace was guarded by Zanzibar soldiers armed with artillery riffles and machine guns. The palace by the river from where the navy and the pro-British Zanzibar forced attacked. British sunk the Zanzibar His Highness’ Ship Glasgow, theroyal yacht.

The battle lasted for 38-40 minutes and around 500 civilians were killed or injured on Zanzibar side with one on British. Khalid bin Bargash fled the palace and Hamoud bin Mohammed took over.

Citation

Nicolini, Beatrice. (2024). The 1896 War against Zanzibar. New reflections about imperial military power.

Al-Wais, I. M. (2025). European presence in Zanzibar until independence (1833-1964). International Journal of History 2025.

Justin & Pollard, S. The Anglo-Zanzibar War. History Today.

(October 2021). The Anglo-Zanzibar War: The Shortest War in History. History Guild.

Elkholy, A. T. (March 2016).Sultanate of Zanzibar (1856–1964). Black Past.