Egypt tried to gain control over Sudan in the early 19th century but fragmentation in the south casued difficulties. In 1881 an attempt to take control began, led by a religious leader, Mohammed Ahmed ibn Abdalla (the Mahdi) and it was not until 1898 that a joint force of British and Egyptian troops won control. Independence was achieved in 1956 after a three-year period of self-governance. Sudan is the largest country in Africa and is located in the heart of the River Nile, the White and Blue Nile converging at the capital, Khartoum. A short stretch of coastline borders the Red Sea.