The city's history witnessed clashes between it and the rulers and tribes of the neighboring regions, such as the Fur tribe in western Sudan and the Dinka in southern Sudan.

The Rizeigat joined the Mahdist Revolution in Sudan and pledged allegiance to the Mahdi in Mount Qadeer in 1882 AD and their leader, Maddo, participated in the Shalali battle that the Mahdi led against the soldiers of Turkish-Egyptian rule in the region.

On 27 and 28 March 1987, the city witnessed an ethnic massacre, when armed Rizeigat killed over 1,000 Dinkas.

[1] The city was captured and is occupied by the Rapid Support Forces during the War in Sudan (2023).

The city is served by the Ed Daein Airport (IATA: ADV).