 Suleiman took advantage of the discontent that had grown amongst Northern Sudanese traders because of high taxes and the anti-slavery efforts imposed by the government in Khartoum and started a rebellion in 1877.Suleiman's revolt was, however, short-lived.In 1878 and 1879 his forces were defeated by an Egyptian army under the Italian Romolo Gessi.The support of local Southern allies and their proxy forces led by the Zande king Tombura and Golo chief Kayongo played a key role in the war.