- 7 -between the weary lines and the rhythm of the Mahdi's approaching armies from the west, and the cavalry, unable to advance. If this plan had been chosen, it would have been very likely that corruption would have spread among their ranks, and chaos would have prevailed due to their administrative disarray and lack of a system to rely on. Thus, the government could have gradually recovered all the lost territories over time. There is no doubt that at that time it would not have been possible to maintain the government's control in Darfur. However, if we consider the permanent loss of this province in this case, we would have chosen the lesser of two evils, without a doubt. But this was not the opinion of those in power in Cairo. An order came out stating that the government's authority must be consolidated with an army sent under the command of the English General Hicks, with the assistance of other European officers. As for Abd al-Qadir Pasha, he was summoned and replaced by Ala al-Din Pasha, who had previously been the Governor-General of East Sudan. As soon as the Mahdi heard this news, he took it into account and prepared for it. After that, England imposed on us the recall of Abd al-Qadir Pasha. And since Egypt did not recall its victorious commander, it was followed by the preparation of a campaign headed by Hicks Pasha and his staff. Although they were excellent officers and had some knowledge of their mission, they were completely ignorant of the country's condition and its terrain. Instead of those officers following the plan of Abd al-Qadir, which was extremely wise, they adopted a different approach.