THE RISE OF MALI (1250-1400)
The kingdom of Mali overthrew the kingdom of Ghana. Mali expanded her empire to the
south among the negro tribes, west to the shores of the Atlantic ocean and east into the
desert. Mali was much larger than Ghana had been.
Mali started and ended as an Islamic state and the empire benefited because literacy was
introduced into the Sudan by those who followed this faith.
The most famous of all the kings in Mali was Mansa Musa. He governed or reigned
from 1302- 1332 with assistance from judges, scribes and civil servants. He became
famous because of his pilgrimage to Mecca which lasted from 1324-1325. He left Mali
with 100 camel loads of gold and a large group of followers for his personal
needs/service. He was extremely generous on this pilgrimage(giving away money in
Mecca), that he ran out.
When he returned to Mali, he was determined to spread Islam throughout the empire. He
also wanted to promote education and therefore he started sending students to Morocco
to study. He was also instrumental in making Timbuctu, the commercial and educational
centre of Western Sudan. He was on friendly terms with other African states such as
Morocco and Egypt.
Mali acquired her wealth or source of income from a tax on crops and livestock,
taxes from conquered states and money from royal estates.
THE REASONS FOR THE FALL OR DECLINE OF MALI
1. Internally or within the empire, the members of the ruling hierarchy were quite
incompetent. Externally, Mali was attacked by tribes such as the Mossi and the Tuareg to
the north and south respectively and then by Songhai to the east.
2. There were a series of civil wars and coups d’etat. Six kings governed within a period
of forty years (1360-1400).
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THE RISE OF SONGHAI (1450-1600)
Sunni Ali became king in 1464 and governed for twenty-eight years. He was
instrumental in transforming a small kingdom of Gao into the Kingdom of Songhai,
stretching from Kebbi in the east to Jenne in the west and from Timbuctu in the north to
Hombori to the south. He greatly oppressed his people.
When Sunni Ali died, his successor was Mohammed Askiya. All kings were called
Askiya. He governed for thirty-five years. He was so successful during his reign, that
the dynasty became known as the Askiya dynasty. Using Islam as unifying tool, he won
the support of his people.
The kingdom was divided into provinces, each under a governor. The governor was
expected to collect the taxes given by people in each district. Cowrie shells and gold
were used as a form of currency in internal trading. These shells could only be collected
on the east coast.
Mohammed Askiya did everything he could to promote trade and commerce. Inspectors
were appointed to oversee the important markets.
THE REASON FOR THE FALL OR DECLINE OF SONGHAI
The Moroccans invaded Songhai at the end of the 16th century (1590). The Moroccan
army was well trained and well disciplined and included mercenary fighters from Spain,
Portugal and Turkey.
The Moroccans fought with superior weaponry such as the arquebus (an early portable
gun) and gunpowder. The Songhai army was armed with bows and arrows, spears,
swords and clubs.
References:
Honychurch, Lennox. The Caribbean People Bk. 1
Shillington, Kevin. History of Africa
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