The arrival of the Mahdist forces in the region of Darfur was a significant event. The Mahdi's army, led by his Khalifa, Abdullahi, had been expanding its influence across Sudan. The local tribes in Darfur, such as the Fur and the Masalit, were caught in the middle of this conflict. The Mahdist forces aimed to consolidate their control over the vast territories of Sudan, and Darfur, with its strategic importance and resources, was a key target. The arrival of the Mahdists brought with it a period of intense upheaval and change for the people of Darfur.