South Sudan

The siege of Khartoum occurred from March 1884 to January 1885. Sudanese Mahdist forces captured the city of Khartoum from its Egyptian garrison, thereby gaining control over the whole of Sudan.

The Mahdi  is a messianic figure in the Islamic world who is believed to appear at the end of times to rid the world of evil and injustice. He is said to be a descendant of Muhammad who will re appear and lead Muslims to rule the world. 

Britain’s strategic interest in Egypt increased after the construction of the Suez Canal. Opened in 1869, the Canal considerably shortened the trade and military routes to India and the East. In 1875, the British government bought shares in the Suez Canal Company.